Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
Quick answer
The cheetah is the fastest land animal, capable of reaching 112 km/h (70 mph) in short bursts. Built for speed with a slender body, long legs, and a flexible spine, it relies on quick daytime chases rather than ambush. Cheetahs are found mainly in Africa and live around 10 to 12 years in the wild.
Cheetah facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Acinonyx jubatus |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Grassland, savanna, semi-desert |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years in the wild |
| Weight | 21–72 kg (46–159 lb) |
| Top speed | Up to 112 km/h (70 mph) |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Felidae |
| Genus | Acinonyx |
Built for speed
Everything about the cheetah is designed for acceleration. A lightweight frame, long legs, enlarged heart and lungs, and a flexible spine let it reach 112 km/h and go from 0 to 100 km/h in just a few seconds. Its semi-retractable claws act like running spikes for grip.
Hunting strategy
Unlike most big cats, cheetahs hunt during the day to avoid competition from lions and hyenas. They rely on a short, explosive chase, and because sprinting overheats their bodies, they can only run for around 20 to 30 seconds before needing to rest.
Behavior
Cheetahs are more lightly built and less aggressive than other big cats. Females are usually solitary, raising cubs alone, while males sometimes form small coalitions, often brothers, to hold territory together.
Conservation
Cheetahs are Vulnerable, with fewer than an estimated 7,000 left in the wild. They face habitat loss, conflict with farmers, low genetic diversity, and high cub mortality, making them one of Africa's most threatened big cats.
Frequently asked questions about the Cheetah
How fast can a cheetah run?
Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, reaching speeds of up to 112 km/h (70 mph) in short bursts and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just a few seconds.
Why can't cheetahs run for long?
Sprinting at top speed rapidly overheats a cheetah's body, so it can only chase prey for about 20 to 30 seconds before it must stop and recover.
What do cheetahs eat?
Cheetahs are carnivores that hunt small to medium antelope such as gazelles, as well as hares and young wildebeest. They hunt mostly during the day.
Are cheetahs endangered?
Cheetahs are classified as Vulnerable, with fewer than about 7,000 remaining in the wild. Habitat loss, human conflict, and low genetic diversity all threaten the species.
What is the difference between a cheetah and a leopard?
Cheetahs have solid round spots and distinctive black 'tear marks' running from the eyes to the mouth, while leopards have rosette-shaped spots. Cheetahs are also slimmer and faster, while leopards are stockier and climb trees.
How long do cheetahs live?
Wild cheetahs typically live 10 to 12 years. Cub mortality is high, but cheetahs in captivity can live to around 17 years.
