Cheetahs

Built for speed, cheetahs are slender, with long thin legs and a long tail.

Cheetahs have between 2,000 and 3,000 spots, which help them to camouflage themselves.

Previously, cheetahs were wide spread across African and Asian continents, but now they are confined mostly to dry open grasslands of Sub Saharan Africa, with the majority inhabiting natural reserves or parks.

Cheetahs are carnivores, so rely on meat for survival.

Cheetahs will also feed on wildebeest calves and, occasionally, smaller animals including rabbits, hares and birds.

Cheetahs have evolved to live in an environment where water is scarce, and can survive on one drink every three to four days.

Female cheetahs are solitary, living alone or with their young.

Cheetahs are the only big cat that can turn in mid air while sprinting.

Cheetahs long muscular tails have a flat shape that is used for balance and steering.

Historically, cheetahs have been hunted for their fur, but today some of the biggest threats to their survival are loss of habitat, and competition for resources.

Cheetahs require large areas of land for survival, so increased human settlements and road construction in their habitat puts them at risk.