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All Animals

Cheetah

Cheetahs are the fastest land mammals, and can reach speeds of up to 70 mph over short distances. The cheetah faces many threats to its survival, including a high mortality rate for cubs, loss of habitat, a reduction of its prey base, conflict with livestock farmers, and a reduced ability to survive in parks and reserves due to the presence of larger predators.

Stable
Threatened
Endangered

Animal Facts

Scientific Name

Acinonyx jubatus

Range

Savannah and grassland in eastern, western and southern Africa

Location in the Zoo

Carnivores

Cool Animal Fact

Their long black “tear marks” help reduce sunlight glare.

How We Help Save Them

  • The Houston Zoo supports cheetah protection efforts in Africa through the Ruaha Carnivore Project’s Livestock guarding dog program.
  • Conducting the first trial to test the effectiveness of specialized breeds of guarding dogs at preventing attacks on livestock around Ruaha, Tanzania.
  • So far, 4 Anatolian Shepherds were placed with local farmers.

How You Can Help

  • Visit the Zoo! Every time you visit the Houston Zoo, you help save animals in the wild.
  • Donate now to save cheetahs in the wild

    Donate Today

 

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