Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
Animal facts
Cheetahs can reach speeds of up to 100km per hour (70mph) and are the world's fastest land mammal. However, they can only run at their prey for relatively short distances, so prefer to creep up on and then spring into action.
The cheetah’s long association with humans dates back to the Sumerians, about 3,000 BC. In early Lower Egypt, it was known as the MAFDET cat-goddess and was revered as a symbol of royalty.
Where they live
Africa and Iran
Habitat
Sparse sub-desert, steppe (a treeless plain), medium and long-grass plains
What they eat
Cheetahs prey on a variety of species from hares to small antelope, and the young of larger antelope.
IUCN status
Today cheetahs are extinct in more than 20 countries and between 9,000 to 12,000 animals remain, in small-pocketed populations in 24 - 26 countries in Africa and about 200 in Iran.
