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What is a Cheetah?

By SamK on January 23, 2024
Category(s)
Cheetah

Cheetah is a large feline (big cat) known scientifically as Acinonyx jubatus. It's most famous for being the fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds up to 75 mph (120 km/h) in short bursts covering distances up to 1,500 feet (460 meters), and has the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in just a few seconds. Cheetahs are characterized by their slender bodies, deep chests, spotted coat, small rounded heads, black tear-like streaks on the face, long thin legs, and long spotted tails.

Classification of the Cheetah:

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Genus: Acinonyx
Species: A. jubatus

Cheetahs are primarily found in the savannas and arid regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, but a small population also exists in Iran. They are adapted for speed with their lightweight build and specialized muscles. Unlike other big cats, cheetahs cannot roar; instead, they purr, hiss, and growl. They have a unique hunting strategy that relies on their speed and stealth, often hunting during the day to avoid competition with stronger predators like lions and hyenas.