cheetahs
The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is an atypical member of the cat family (Felidae) that is unique in its speed,
while lacking climbing abilities. As such, it is placed in its own genus, Acinonyx. It is the fastest land animal, reaching speeds between
112 and 120 km/h (70 and 75 mph) in short bursts covering distances up to 460 m (1,500 ft), and has the ability to accelerate from 0 to
110 km/h (68 mph) in three seconds, faster than most supercars.
Unlike "true" big cats, the cheetah can purr as it inhales, but cannot roar. By contrast, the big cats can roar but cannot purr, except
while exhaling. However, the cheetah is still considered by some to be the smallest of the big cats. While it is often mistaken for the
leopard, the cheetah does have distinguishing features, such as the aforementioned long "tear-streak" lines that run from the corners of
its eyes to its mouth. The body frame of the cheetah is also very different from that of the leopard, most notably so in its thinner and
longer tail, and unlike the leopard, its spots are not arranged into rosettes.
The cheetah is a vulnerable species. Out of all the big cats, it is the least able to adapt to new environments. It has always proved
difficult to breed in captivity, although recently a few zoos have managed to succeed at this. Once widely hunted for its fur, the cheetah
now suffers more from the loss of both habitat and prey.