Photo by Malene Thyssen

Classified as endangered, the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is the fastest land animal on earth. Capable of running up to 70 miles per hour, the cheetah’s slender, long-legged body with non-retracting claws and a uniquely shaped tail is built for speed. Its lovely spotted coat, small head and ears, and distinctive “tear stripes” from the corner of the eyes down the sides of the nose make the cheetah highly recognizable among the large cats of Africa.

Due to things such as increasing loss of habitat, declines in prey, high cub mortality rates, and conflict with ranchers, a successful future for the cheetah is doubtful.

The cheetah is one of animalpages.com’s favorites of all animal species.

More Info:

• Defenders of Wildlife Basic Facts About Cheetahs
• The Cheetah Spot

Cheetah in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, South Africa, at sunset.
Source

The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is well known as the fastest land animal on earth; the cheetah is capable of speeds of up to 75mph for short distances and can go from 0 to 60 in three seconds. The cheetah is also one of the only felines that can not retract its claws.

Unfortunately, the cheetah is a vulnerable species and has unusually low genetic variability. Of all the big cats, it is the least able to adapt to new environments. It has always proved difficult to breed in captivity, although recently a few zoos have managed to succeed at this.