Accelerating from 0 to 96 km/h (60 mph) in three seconds, the cheetah is the world's fastest land mammal. Cheetah - African Wildlift Foundation – See how many cheetahs are left in the wild and their current depletion rate. Cheetahs face a variety of challenges. The Cheetah is the fasted land animal on earth! Additional Resources on Cheetahs. This species is protected by the law, and the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums is dedicated to the research of breeding the species … Cheetahs @ LiveScience – Learn … The species has also been decimated by farmers seeking to protect their herds. Cheetahs are considered to be endangered animals in that only 12,400 species are left in more than 20 different African countries. Cheetah - African Wildlift Foundation – See how many cheetahs are left in the wild and their current depletion rate. Cheetah Facts for Kids Click Here for more animal facts What is a Cheetah? The Northwest African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus hecki) is a critically endangered cheetah with the overall population is estimated at 250 individuals only. Cheetahs can reach speeds of 60 miles per hours within 3 seconds and ultimately reach speeds up to 75 miles per hour. Interesting Facts About Cheetah For Kids. They are big cats. Cheetahs @ Nat Geo Kids – Find more cheetah facts for kids on the National Geographic for Kids website. 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. With a narrow waist and slim body, cheetah’s body is covered by several black-circled spots that measure 2 – 3 cm (0.79 – 1.2 inches). The cheetah is endangered due to a combination of genetic frailties and the adverse effects of a dwindling habitat. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 79,000 lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. Human-Carnivore Conflict: This is the largest problem – cheetahs roam on privately owned land where livestock are kept.When they choose to go for an easy (cattle) prey instead of game, landowners often want to shoot them to make the problem go away. Each animal facts article is printer-friendly and covers a range of topics, such as the animal’s physical characteristics, habitat (with a distribution map), diet, breeding patterns, unique traits and behavior, and when applicable, conservation and tips … Click on an animal below to learn more about it! What is a cheetah? The fastest land animal, the only animal that can turn in mid-air, one of the big cats that can’t roar — read on for more such interesting facts about cheetahs. After a chase, a cheetah needs half an hour to catch its breath before it can eat. Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you succeed. Henri Marie Ducrotay, a French zoologist, was likely the first person to recognize the Saharan cheetah back in 1943. Cheetahs are the world's fastest land animal and can chase its prey for 270 meters (almost a sixth of a mile) at the speed of 114 kilometers (almost 71 miles per hour) per hour. It is slim and has muscular, long legs—in relation to its body size when compared to other cats—a small, rounded head that is set on a long neck, a flexible spine, a deep chest, special pads on its feet for traction, and a long tail for balance. They inhabit the grasslands of eastern, central, and southwestern Africa, as well as a … The cheetah lives in the western Saharan desert which is why it is also called Saharan cheetah or Senegal cheetah. There are five subspecies of this big cat. Cheetah Facts For Kids. While speed is the cheetah’s greatest asset, it can also put the animal at risk. Cheetahs @ LiveScience – Learn more about cheetahs on the LiveScience website. Below are some of the biggest, along with conservation methods.