The fastest land mammal is the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Cheetahs can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour (112 kilometers per hour), making them the fastest land animals in the world.
Cheetahs are built for speed. They have a slender body, long legs, and a flexible tail that helps them to balance and turn quickly. Their paws are also specially adapted for running, with padded toes and claws that help them to grip the ground.
Cheetahs use their speed to catch prey such as gazelles, wildebeest, and impala. They typically chase their prey until it tires and then pounce on it. Cheetahs are very successful hunters, and they have a kill rate of over 50%.
Cheetahs are a threatened species, and there are only an estimated 7,000 individuals left in the wild. They are threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and conflict with humans. Conservation efforts are underway to protect cheetahs and their habitat.