The cheetah is the single surviving species of the genus Acinonyx. A cheetah's footprints have claw tips visible, more like a dog's than like a typical cat's print. Cheetahs have very low levels of genetic variation compared to other mammals, making them susceptible to disease.

Long and lanky, cheetahs are the sprinters of the cat world. Their bodies are uniquely designed to run very fast for fairly short distances, allowing them to catch prey that other big cats can’t get. A cheetah’s ability to run starts with its flexible spine, which allows the front legs to stretch far forward on each stride.

The cheetah plays an important role as a predator on the African savannah. The fastest animal on land, the cheetah can reach speeds up to 70 miles per hour over short distances. A sleek body, flexible backbone, long legs, non-retractable claws, and muscular tail assist the cheetah during high-speed chases.

Cheetahs are the world's fastest land animal—capable of reaching speeds up to 70 miles per hour. Throughout history, these remarkable cats have adorned the courts of kings, queens, and emperors, and their amazing grace and beauty still captivate the world today.

Cheetahs are the world's fastest land animals and Africa's most endangered cats. They live and hunt in the open and vegetated savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. The cheetah's body is uniquely designed for speed. Its lightweight, narrow frame supports long legs and its flexible spine allows its front legs to stretch far forward with each stride.

Cheetahs are listed by the IUCN, the world’s leading conservation site, as a vulnerable species. Today, fewer than 12,500 wild cheetahs survive, down from 100,000 a century ago. They are extremely rare anywhere in their Asian range and are increasingly rare in Africa, particularly outside of protected national parks.

Cheetahs are the fastest land mammals, and can reach speeds of up to 70 mph over short distances. The cheetah faces many threats to its survival, including a high mortality rate for cubs, loss of habitat, a reduction of its prey base, conflict with livestock farmers, and a reduced ability to survive in parks and reserves due to the presence of ...

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has a long history with the African cheetah. For almost 30 years, these extraordinary cats have been part of a breeding program to produce offspring from genetically valuable individuals to bolster cheetah populations.

In zoos, cheetahs can live up to 17 years. Cub mortality is high for the species in both the wild and in zoos. Diet: Cheetahs are carnivorous and eat about 6 pounds of meat daily. In the wild, they prey on a variety of species from rabbits to small antelope and the young of larger antelope.

Height: 27 – 35 in.; weight: 77 – 143 lbs. Lightly built with long legs, small blunt feet with unsheathed claws, swayback, short neck, small rounded head, shortened face, broad low ears and small teeth.