The wild cheetah is found from Africa south of the Sahara to India. It is considered the world's fastest mammal on land reaching speeds of up to 75 mph. Unlike other cats, the cheetah prefers to chase down its prey rather than ambush them. They are also able to climb trees.

The cheetah is threatened by habitat loss and hunting for its spotted pelt. Cheetahs are also sometimes killed by farmers protecting their livestock although the species is protected by law throughout its entire range.