Cheetah: The Fastest Animal on Earth

The cheetah is the fastest land animal on Earth, capable of reaching speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour) over short distances. It is characterized by its slender and agile body, long legs, and long tail that helps it maintain balance while running.

Cheetahs live in open areas in Africa and Asia, and rely on their incredible speed to hunt prey such as antelope and gazelle. A cheetah can run for up to 460 meters (1,510 feet) at top speed, but it cannot maintain this speed for more than a few seconds.

Despite its incredible speed, the cheetah is threatened with extinction due to poaching and habitat loss. The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimates that there are only about 7,100 cheetahs left in the wild.

Cheetah characteristics

Length: A cheetah measures about 1.2 meters (4 feet) from head to tail.

Weight: An adult cheetah weighs about 34 to 54 kilograms (75 to 120 pounds).

Colour: A cheetah is characterized by its black and brown spotted fur.

Speed: A cheetah can reach speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour (75 miles per hour) over short distances.

Diet: A cheetah feeds on small mammals such as antelope and gazelle.

Reproduction: A female cheetah gives birth to 2 to 4 cubs after a gestation period of about 90 days.

Threats to cheetahs

Poaching: Cheetahs are hunted for their fur and meat.

Habitat loss: Cheetahs are losing their natural habitats due to human development.

Competition from other animals: Cheetahs compete with other predators, such as lions and tigers, for prey.