Cheetah - Big Cat Sanctuary Stock Photo

The cheetah Acinonyx jubatus is a large cat native to Africa and central Iran. It is the fastest land animal, capable of running at 80 to 128 km/h 50 to 80 mph, and as such has several adaptations for speed, including a light build, long thin legs and a long tail. Cheetahs typically reach 67–94 cm 26–37 in at the shoulder, and the head-and-body length is between 1.1 and 1.5 m 3.6 and 4.9 ft. Adults typically weigh between 20 and 65 kg 44 and 143 lb. Its head is small, rounded, and has a short snout and black tear-like facial streaks. The coat is typically tawny to creamy white or pale buff and is mostly covered with evenly spaced, solid black spots. Four subspecies are recognised