Cheetah: (Acinonyx jubatus)
Page revised 12/26/2007
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  • Cheetah: (Hunting Leopard, Acinonyx jubatus)
  • Order: Carnivora
  • Family: Felidae
  • Genus: Acinonyx
  • Species: jubatus
  • Body Length: up to 5 feet
  • Shoulder Height: 2 to 2-1/2 feet
  • Tail Length: 2 to 3 feet
  • Weight: up to 145 lbs
  • Birth Weight: 5 to 10 oz
SUMMARY: The cheetah is found in southern Asia and in Africa south of the Sahara. The word "Cheetah" is derived from the Hindi word "Chita" meaning "spotted one." Cheetahs are unusual compared to the other big cats, which have large, sturdy bodies. Built for speed and agility, the cheetah has a small head, a long, streamlined body, and thin, powerful legs and is the fastest land animal in the world. Of all the large cats, the lightly built cheetah is the most timid and is easily bullied off its prey by other predators.
See More Cheetah pictures Back to Big Cats Index See More Cheetah pictures View photos 1 thru 25 Read More About the Cheetah Read About the Cheetah
Even More Cheetah pictures View photos 26 thru 52 See King Cheetah pictures View photos of the King Cheetah Read About the King Cheetah Read About the King Cheetah