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Are you my dessert? (30)
Callie
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1132 W: 105 N: 2609]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (7531) | The Cheetah paw – footprint-is the Symbol of the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Cheetahs are not common; in Kruger National Park, the total estimate is only 200 vs. 1 000+ leopards. The fastest land mammal, it s actually not robust. Although capable of bursts of speed between 80-100 km/h, it cannot maintain the sprint for more than 300 m – they can actually overheat! Its prey is also often lost to super predators like hyenas & lions. Both lion & leopard will kill cheetah and eat them. I have seen photographs of a leopard dragging a dead cheetah. A cheetah is built more along the line of a greyhound than the stockier leopard, with, long, graceful limbs. For those not familiar with the 2 species, the cheetah is the one with the 2 black tear marks that run down his face, from the corner of the eyes to the mouth. They cannot retract their claws like other cats and their teeth are also small compared with the other large spotted cats. All the spots are solid, no rosettes like the leopard. Shoulder height 85 cm, 54 kg M; 43 kg, F; 3 cubs are the norm n a litter. A baby cheetah is the most beautiful animal in the world, to me, that is, & on my wishlist to nail on a CCD!
Nikon D70 & Sigma 120-300 f2.8 & 2X converter @ 300 mm; ISO 200, -0,7 EV; iTTL Balanced fill flash off camera; Bean bag on window; Cropped some, Levels lighter, Added space above ears & to left; reduced to size and USM, faded to soft light to suit. Enjoy. |
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