The Cheetah or Hunting Leopard forms the transition between the Cat and
Dog families. By its physical organization and its character it belongs,
in fact, to both these classes. It has weak, non-retractile claws, which
are unfitted for tearing purposes; but in its teeth it unmistakably
shows its affinity to the Cat family. Its limbs are also longer, and the
body more slender than that of the Cats, from whence results a greater
aptitude for hunting. Its tail is curled over on itself at the
extremity, a disposition very common in Dogs, but which is not observed
in the Cats. Its mildness, obedient temper, and attachment when tame,
naturally define its place on the confines of the Feline and the Canine
family.
The Hunting Leopard inhabits Southern Asia and various parts of Africa.
It is about four feet in length, and twenty-six inches in height. Its
fur is very elegant, being a bright fawn color above, perfectly white
beneath, and everywhere interspersed with black spots. The tail is
barred with twelve alternately white and black rings. A quantity of
hair, longer than on other parts of the body, grows on the back of the
head and neck, forming a scanty mane.
The Cheetah seizes its prey by a succession of bounds remarkable for
their rapidity. In India and Persia has been adopted the habit of
training it to hunt certain animals, its natural docility allowing it to
be readily trained for this service. The custom of employing the Cheetah
for hunting goes back to a very remote period, for the Arab Rhazes speak
of it in the tenth century.
In Mongolia the following is the method of conducting this sport. The
sportsmen start off on horseback, carrying the Cheetah either on a
Horse, or in a carriage specially constructed for the purpose. The
animal is chained, and its eyes blindfolded. The places which Gazelles
frequent are sought out. As soon as one is perceived, the hunters stop,
the Cheetah is unfastened, and its eyes unbandaged and the game is
pointed out to it. Immediately, under cover of the high vegetation and
brushwood, the beast glides off in pursuit, taking advantage, with
unequalled tact, of the slightest breaks in the ground to conceal its
movements. When it considers that it is sufficiently near its victim, it
suddenly shows itself, dashes on with terrible impetuosity, springs on
the prey after a succession of prodigious bounds and immediately pulls
it to the ground.
Its master, who has followed the events of the chase, then enters upon
the scene. To detach it from its victim, he throws it a piece of flesh,
speaks gently to it, and caresses it; after which he again covers its
eyes, and replaces it on the saddle or in its conveyance, while the
assistants carry off the prey.
This kind of hunting is very popular in Mongolia, and a well-trained
Hunting Leopard attains an extraordinary price among the inhabitants.
In captivity, the Cheetah is familiar, gentle and playful, becoming
greatly attached to those who are kind to it. When pleased it purs; and
mews like a Cat when in distress.