King Cheetah – The Rarely Seen Spotted Cat
- Johan Siggesson
- Aug 29
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 31
The king cheetah is one of the most striking animals in the cat family. Known for its unusual coat pattern, it looks almost like a mix between a leopard and a cheetah. For photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, seeing a king cheetah in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Although it is not a separate species, the king cheetah remains one of the most mysterious and sought-after animals in African wildlife photography.
What is a King Cheetah?
Similar to the genetic variation of a black leopard , a king cheetah is a cheetah with a rare genetic variation that changes the pattern of its coat. Instead of the small, evenly spaced spots we usually associate with cheetahs, the king cheetah has wide dark stripes running along its back and larger, irregular blotches across its sides. This gives it a more dramatic and unusual look.
Scientists now know that this unique pattern comes from a genetic mutation linked to the same gene that affects coat patterns in domestic cats. It does not change the behaviour or the speed of the animal. The king cheetah can still run as fast as any other cheetah. What sets it apart is simply its appearance.
Where Can You See a King Cheetah?
The king cheetah is most often seen in parts of southern Africa, particularly in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. However, sightings in the wild are very rare. Many of the photographs you see of king cheetahs come from protected reserves and breeding programs where the genetic trait is better preserved.
In the wild, the king cheetah is almost never seen. The last credible sighting was in Kruger National Park in 1986, and there has not been a verified record since. Entire generations of guides, researchers, and photographers have spent lifetimes in the field without ever encountering one. This near absence in the wild has turned the king cheetah into something of a legend, a ghost of the savanna that fuels endless fascination among those who dream of seeing it.
Why is the King Cheetah So Rare?
The gene responsible for the king cheetah coat is recessive. That means both parents must carry it for a cub to be born with the pattern. Even then, not every cub will have the trait. Because of this, the king cheetah remains a rare sight in the wild.
In the 1920s and 1930s, when skins of these animals were found, some scientists believed they might belong to a completely new species. It was not until much later that genetic studies confirmed they are the same species as the standard cheetah.
King Cheetah in Photography
For wildlife photographers, the king cheetah represents one of the most prized subjects. Capturing such a rare animal requires incredible luck. If it would ever appear, the dramatic coat pattern makes for unforgettable images.
The bold stripes and blotches are almost abstract, and in black and white photography, the patterns can look like brushstrokes on canvas. In colour, the contrast of golden fur and deep black markings creates a visual power that few animals can match.
To photograph a king cheetah would not just be about documenting rarity. It would be about telling a story of genetics, chance, and the fragile survival of one of Africa’s most iconic cats.
Differences Between a King Cheetah and a Normal Cheetah
From a distance, the body shape of a king cheetah is the same as any other cheetah. It has the same build, long legs, and distinctive small head. The real difference lies only in the coat.
Normal cheetah – small, evenly spaced black spots on golden fur, with characteristic “tear marks” running from the eyes down the face.
King cheetah – large irregular blotches, wide dark stripes down the back, and a more mottled pattern across the sides.
These differences are purely visual. In terms of speed, hunting behaviour, and social structure, the king cheetah is identical to the common cheetah.
The Conservation Story
All cheetahs are affected by the challenges of habitat loss, human conflict, and declining prey populations. Since the king cheetah is not a separate species, it is not given special conservation status. However, the fascination with the king cheetah helps to draw attention to the plight of cheetahs as a whole.
Some reserves and breeding programs have helped to preserve the genetic line, ensuring that the trait is not lost entirely. These programs also give researchers the chance to study genetics more closely and to raise awareness among visitors.
For conservationists, every cheetah matters, whether king or not. Protecting their ecosystems is the only way to ensure that rare coat variations like the king cheetah can still exist in the wild and might one day appear again as a natural reminder of the diversity within the species.
King Cheetah as Inspiration
Beyond science and photography, the king cheetah inspires art, fashion, and storytelling. Its unique look has been used in design and even video games. For many, it symbolises nature’s unpredictability and beauty.
In my own work, the king cheetah represents a reminder that the natural world still holds surprises. Even in an age where so much is studied and documented, there are still moments of wonder that cannot be planned. That is what makes wildlife photography so rewarding. I will most definitely never see a wild king cheetah but its fascinating to know that it might be out there some day. Read about Malaika the most famous cheetah ☞
King Cheetah Facts – Common Questions Answered
Is the king cheetah a different species?
No, the king cheetah is not a separate species. It is a rare genetic variation of the common cheetah that affects the coat pattern but not its behaviour or speed.
How fast can a king cheetah run?
A king cheetah can run as fast as any other cheetah, reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h. The unusual coat pattern does not affect its athletic ability.
Where does the king cheetah live?
The king cheetah is found in parts of southern Africa, mainly South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Sightings in the wild are extremely rare, which adds to the fascination surrounding them.
Why is the king cheetah so rare?
The king cheetah pattern is caused by a recessive gene. Both parents must carry the gene for a cub to be born with the markings, which makes it very uncommon in the wild.
Can you see a king cheetah on safari?
While possible, it is highly unlikely to see a king cheetah on a regular safari. They are mostly observed in protected reserves and breeding programmes in southern Africa.
Conclusion
The king cheetah remains one of Africa’s most captivating animals. Its rare coat pattern has fascinated scientists, artists, and photographers alike. While it is not a separate species, its appearance adds another layer of mystery to the story of the cheetah.