Acinonyx jubatus
The world's fastest land animal, the cheetah, is the most specialized member of the cat family because it can reach speeds of 70 miles per hour. Unlike other cats, the cheetah has a leaner body, longer legs and has been referred to as the greyhound of the cats. It is not an aggressive animal, using flight versus fight. With its weak jaws and small teeth, the price it paid for speed, it cannot fight larger predators to protect its kill or young.
About 10,000-12,500 cheetahs are estimated to remain in 24 to 26 African countries and less than 100 animals in Iran. Namibia has the world's largest number of free-ranging cheetahs with about 3,000 animals.