cheetah, (Acinonyx jubatus), one of the world’s most-recognizable cats, known especially for its speed. Cheetahs’ sprints have been measured at a maximum of 114 km (71 miles) per hour, and they routinely reach velocities of 80–100 km per hour while pursuing prey. Adult cheetahs are easily distinguished from other big cats by their solid black spots.

Understanding the Context

The cheetahs’ unique body structures allow them to achieve incredible speeds of up to 70 mph (113 km/hr). When running, cheetahs use their tails to steer and change direction, like a rudder on a boat. Fastest mammal on land, the cheetah can reach speeds of 60 or perhaps even 70 miles (97 or 113 kilometers) an hour over short distances. It usually chases its prey at only about half that speed,...

Key Insights

Cheetahs are big cats known for being the world’s fastest land mammal, reaching speeds of up to 60-70 miles per hour. They can be differentiated from other big cats by their narrow shoulder blades and long limbs, which they use to reach their top speeds. Cheetah facts: learn all about these felines with facts about the cheetah’s habitat, diet, behaviour, range, characteristics and top speed! Learn about cheetahs from Cheetah Conservation Fund. CCF has the world's leading experts on cheetahs including our founder Dr.

Final Thoughts

Laurie Marker. The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is widely known as the planet’s fastest land animal, but unknown to many, it is also Africa’s most threatened big cat. Today, there are as few as 7,100 cheetahs left in the wild, which occupy only 8 percent of the species’ historic range. The cheetah is a daylight hunter that benefits from stealthy movement and a spotted coat that allows it to blend easily into high, dry grasses. Cheetahs begin a hunt by stalking their prey.