African cheetah
Mammals
Threatened
facts
description
Built for speed
Cheetahs are not strong predators, but they are fast. They rely on their speed—up to 70 miles per hour—to catch their prey. Everything about the cheetah is built for speed, from their non-retractable claws that act like cleats for traction, to their long tail that works like a rudder to help them change directions quickly.
Look for the dots
Cheetahs are also known for their spotted coat. The dots are both small and large, and the pattern of spots is unique to each cheetah. The fur of cheetah cubs is darker than that of adults.
Threats in the wild
As fast as cheetahs are, they can’t outrun the threats that they face. Like a lot of animals, cheetahs are losing their habitat, as are the prey animals they need to survive. Cheetahs are also often viewed as pests by ranchers. Ranchers may shoot cheetahs to keep them away from their livestock.
