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The Cheetah - A Unique Cat

Facts and Photos of Lions, Tigers, Leopards, Cheetahs and Other Cats

From Laura Klappenbach, About.com

Cheetah - Acinonyx jubatus.

Cheetah - Acinonyx jubatus.

Photo © Keith Levit / Shutterstock.

The Unique Cheetah

The Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a highly unusual cat that has numerous characteristics that set it apart from all other cats. It is the only living member of its genus (Acinonyx). It has a unique profile, with a short neck, compact face, lean body, long slender legs, and a long tail (Grzimek 1988, 583).

The cheetah is the fastest land animal and can sprint at speeds of over 62mph. Though fast, it lacks endurance at top speed and can only maintain its sprint pace for 10 to 20 seconds.

Sources

For a list of sources used in the creation of this visual guide, please see the Recommended Reading page.

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