Cheetahs

The cheetah is built for speed. Cheetahs are the world’s fastest land mammal, and can reach speeds up to 70 mph for short distances. Its special paw pads and semi-retractable claws provide extra traction and its large nostrils and lungs provide for quick air intake while running and while suffocating their prey. A large liver, heart and adrenal gland facilitate a rapid physical response. A slender, muscular body is streamlined over light bones. Cheetahs have small collarbones and vertical shoulder blades, which are not attached to the collarbone, as well as hips that swivel on a flexible spine. These structural adaptations help lengthen their stride and provide superior acceleration.

An adult cheetah weighs 75 to 140 pounds, with male cheetahs slightly larger than females. Adults have yellow or tan short, coarse fur with solid black round or oval spots that cover nearly the entire body. The tail ends with four to six black rings and a bushy white or black tuft. Cheetah faces are distinguished by prominent black tear marks that curve from the inner corner of each eye to the outer corners of the mouth.

Cheetahs are carnivores and live off other animals they find on Africa’s plains, including rabbits, warthogs, springboks, gazelles and birds.

Nearly all wild cheetahs can be found in sub-Saharan Africa, where they roam open, grassy savannah plains and open forests. A small population lives in northeastern Iran, although only a few dozen remain here.