Close-up of a cheetah in the Serengeti showing the dark malar stripes (tear lines) from its eyes to its mouth.
More Than a Pretty Face: The Function of Cheetah Tear Lines
Tear lines give the cheetah a distinctive and adorable face. These dark marks stand in sharp contrast to the tawny fur of this fast feline, connecting the inner corner of the eye directly to the mouth. But in the wild, these lines are far more than just a beauty mark.
The Science of Malar Stripes
Wildlife specialists refer to these markings as malar stripes (malar being the Latin word for "cheek"). Much like the black greasepaint football players apply under their eyes, it is believed these lines function to:
Reduce Glare: Absorbing sunlight to prevent snow-blindness or sun-glare on the open savannah.
Enhance Focus: Helping cheetahs, falcons, and other "tear-lined" predators spot, track, and pursue prey across long distances.
A Serengeti Encounter
We recently encountered this beautiful cheetah—and could hear the hidden chirps of her cubs—in the heart of the central Serengeti. Watching a mother cheetah navigate the tall grass is a masterclass in focus and stealth.
Spot a Fast Feline in the Wild
If seeing the world's fastest land animal in its natural habitat sounds like your kind of adventure, we invite you to join us.
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Like cheetahs? Here’s a link to a view.