Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
Vulnerable
IUCN Red List status · Population decreasing as of 2024 · Est. 7,100 individuals
About the Cheetah
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and is built for incredible bursts of speed.
Cheetahs rely on acceleration and agility rather than strength. They hunt primarily during daylight and face threats from habitat fragmentation and reduced prey.
Region
East Africa
Population
7,100
Trend
Data Year
2024
Key Facts
Habitat Types
Found In
Why Africa's Wildlife Matters
Africa's megafauna are not just iconic — they are ecosystem engineers. The loss of a single keystone species can trigger cascading collapses across entire biomes. Elephants create waterholes, lions regulate prey, and predators maintain the biodiversity that keeps Africa's grasslands and forests functioning.
20%
of Earth's bird species in Africa
25%
of mammals found in Africa
3,000+
endemic plant species at risk
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Quick Stats