Photo: Joachim Huber · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The cheetah is the fastest land animal on Earth, built for explosive short sprints across the open grasslands and semi-desert of Africa.
Appearance
It has a slender, lightweight frame, black tear-mark stripes running from the eyes to the mouth, and a solid tan coat covered in small round black spots.
Habitat & Distribution
The cheetah is found in grassland, desert habitats.
Diet & Behavior
Diet: Carnivore — Meat-eating animals that hunt, scavenge, or fish for prey, ranging from big cats to snakes and birds of prey.
Cheetahs hunt during the day using speed rather than stealth, reaching top speed in a few seconds before a burst pursuit lasting under a minute.
Predators
- Lion
- Hyena
- Leopard
Prey
- Gazelle
- Impala
- Hare
Interesting Facts
- 1
A cheetah can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about three seconds.
- 2
Its spine flexes like a spring to extend its stride while sprinting.
- 3
Unlike other big cats, cheetahs cannot roar — they chirp, purr, and hiss instead.
Gallery
Cheetah FAQs
What does a cheetah eat?
The cheetah is a carnivore. Its diet includes gazelle, impala, hare.
Where does the cheetah live?
The cheetah is found in grassland, desert habitats across africa.
Is the cheetah endangered?
The cheetah has a conservation status of Vulnerable. Species facing a high risk of extinction in the wild due to habitat loss, hunting, or other pressures.
How long do cheetahs live?
A cheetah's typical lifespan is 10–12 years in the wild.
How fast can a cheetah run?
The cheetah can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h.
How much does a cheetah weigh?
An adult cheetah typically weighs 21–72 kg.