Cheetah: the fastest land animal
The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a large cat* and the fastest land animal. It has a tawny to creamy white or pale buff fur that is marked with evenly spaced, solid black spots.
The head is small and rounded, with a short snout and black tear-like facial streaks. It reaches 67–94 cm at the shoulder, and the head-and-body length is between 1.1 and 1.5 m . Adults weigh between 21 and 65 kg .
The cheetah is capable of running at 93 to 104 km/h (58 to 65 mph); it has evolved specialized adaptations for speed, including a light build, long thin legs and a long tail.
*The 5 big cats often listed together for conservation and general interest are:
Tiger, Lion, Jaguar, Leopard, Snow Leopard
These first are Panthera genus (roaring cats)
The Cheetah and Cougar (Puma/Mountain Lion), and the Cheetah/Cougar are different genera, representing diverse iconic wild felines.
P1130713
Cheetah: the fastest land animal
The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a large cat* and the fastest land animal. It has a tawny to creamy white or pale buff fur that is marked with evenly spaced, solid black spots.
The head is small and rounded, with a short snout and black tear-like facial streaks. It reaches 67–94 cm at the shoulder, and the head-and-body length is between 1.1 and 1.5 m . Adults weigh between 21 and 65 kg .
The cheetah is capable of running at 93 to 104 km/h (58 to 65 mph); it has evolved specialized adaptations for speed, including a light build, long thin legs and a long tail.
*The 5 big cats often listed together for conservation and general interest are:
Tiger, Lion, Jaguar, Leopard, Snow Leopard
These first are Panthera genus (roaring cats)
The Cheetah and Cougar (Puma/Mountain Lion), and the Cheetah/Cougar are different genera, representing diverse iconic wild felines.
P1130713