Acinonyx jubatus

The cheetah is the fastest land animal in the world and one of Africa’s most iconic cats. Built for speed, cheetahs are known for their slender bodies, long legs, and distinctive black “tear marks” running from their eyes to their mouths. 

Cheetahs live in open savannas, grasslands, and semi-desert regions of Africa. These wide-open spaces allow them to use their incredible speed while hunting. Unlike many big cats, cheetahs are active during the day to avoid competition with lions and hyenas.

Cheetahs are carnivores, meaning they eat meat. Their diet includes antelope, gazelles, and other small to medium-sized mammals. Cheetahs rely on stealth and explosive speed rather than strength. They can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour in short bursts, but can only sprint for about 20–30 seconds at a time.

Cheetahs are mostly solitary, though brothers may form small groups called coalitions. Females raise their cubs alone and teach them how to hunt. Cubs stay with their mother for up to two years, learning important survival skills.

Did You Know?
Their semi-retractable claws give them extra grip while running, and their long tails help them steer at high speeds like a boat rudder. Cheetahs are one of the largest in the small cat family. Big cats, like tigers and lions, are known for their ability to roar, while small cats, like cheetahs and house cats, are known for their ability to meow and purr.