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Cheetah

Acinonyx jubatus

Built for Speed: The cheetah can reach speeds of 68 mph, making it the fastest land mammal in the world. It has nonretractable claws (unlike those of other cats), which provide it with better traction when it runs on soft ground. Unlike most large cats, which hunt by ambush, the cheetah chases its prey at high speed, using its tail as a stabilizer, especially when making tight turns.

Cheetah Habits: It preys on many of the animals that share its habitat, including gazelles, gnus, antelopes and warthogs. The males often live in small groups; the females are solitary, meeting up with males only to mate.

Under Threat: Once hunted for its spotted coat, the cheetah is now protected. However, poaching and habitat destruction continue to threaten it.

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MORE CHEETAH

VIDEO: Cheetah Mom on the Prowl

VIDEO: Chasing Down a Meal

VIDEO: Taking Down Prey

VIDEO: Stalking the Meat Mobile

QUIZ: Be a Cheetah

INTERACTIVE: Anatomy of a Cheetah

TOP 10: Top Animal Mom

PUZZLES: Cheetah Puzzles

DID YOU KNOW?

The Spotted One: The word "cheetah" comes from the Indian word for "spotted one."

Born Gray-Blue: A cheetah cub is born with a long, gray-blue coat and a black belly. These may help keep the cub better camouflaged when it's lying still in the long grass.

Cheetah Talk: The cheetah's most common call is a birdlike chirp, such as when calling to its young. It also yelps when excited, hisses and snarls when agitated and purrs when content.

Cheetahs as Pets?: In Sumerian, Egyptian and other ancient civilations, cheetahs were frequently kept as pets. In fact, as hunting companions they may once have been as popular as dogs.

How Stuff Works

How Can Cheetahs Run So Fast?
Nearly everything about a cheetah's body is built for maximum speed. Find out how this race car of the animal world is built for speed at HowStuffWorks.com.