These three cheetah brothers are an example of something becoming more common on the Masai Mara--a cheetah coalition. Rather than going separate ways when they mature, some siblings (and they can be of mixed sexes) band together to become a formidable hunting group. Unlike their solo mother and like lion prides, they can use cooperative strategies to catch prey. And despite some squabbling, they do share their catches.

Late last year, one of these three males was killed (presumeably by lions), but the remaining two are still together. Currently there is at least one more coalition of three male cheetahs, and rumors of a coalition of four. Unfortunately, possibly because of the lions, the overall number of cheetahs on the Mara and adjacent conservancies has dropped significantly lately.

Canon 5D camera, EF 500mm f4.5L USM lens, exposure of 1/200 at f6.3 at ISO 320, on Arca Swiss B1 ballhead and Kirk window mount.

Just like domestic cats, the cheetah needs to sharpen its claws and something like this exposed tree root does the trick. Cat claws are composed of growing layers, and the purpose of scratching is to help shed the damaged outer layers. Another reason is to leave a scent from glands on their paws, helping to mark their territory. This male and his two brothers also sprayed the tree with urine before leaving.

Canon 5D camera, EF 500mm f4.5L USM lens, exposure of 1/160 at f6.3 at ISO 200, on Arca Swiss B1 ballhead and Kirk window mount.