Endangered Species Guide : Mammals : Animal Planet

Endangered Mammals

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CHEETAH (Acinonyx jubatus)

The cheetah is a golden-yellow cat with black spots and a ringed tail. The world's fastest land animal, the cheetah can reach speeds of more than 60 miles per hour. It cannot, however, maintain that speed for more than a few seconds. If prey can last longer than 10-20 seconds, it usually escapes. Cheetahs are among the world's most loved animals. There are major international efforts to save them from extinction. It is endangered due to habitat loss, reduction of prey species, inbreeding and high infant mortality.

Learn how to symbolically adopt this animal at WWF.

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IUCN Status: Vulnerable
USFWS Status: Endangered
Major Threats: Habitat loss, loss of prey species, inbreeding and infant mortality
Habitat: Areas with tall grass and shrubs
Location: Sub-Saharan African and Northern Iran
Diet: Mainly gazelles; also impalas, antelope young and small mammals

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