Acinonyx jubatus

Family

Felidae, the cat family.

Conservation Status

Vulnerable.

Distribution

Southern Africa, East Africa, parts of the Sahara and Sahel, and Central Iran.

Habitat

Desert, grassland, savannah, and arid forest.

Factoid

While running, the cheetah’s flat shaped tail acts like the rudder of a boat, allowing swift turns mid-air with superior steering and balance.