Cheetah in natural habitat
The cheetah is the world's fastest land animal and one of the most distinctive big cats, recognised by its slender build, deep-keeled chest, and black tear stripes running from eye to mouth. Once widespread across India, the species was declared extinct in the country in 1952. In a landmark conservation effort, African cheetahs were reintroduced at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh in 2022, giving the species a second chance on the Indian subcontinent.
Average Length
1.1–1.5 m
Average Weight
21–72 kg
Lifespan
10–12 years
Top Speed
112 km/h
Quick Facts
The cheetah is the fastest land animal on Earth, capable of reaching 112 km/h in short bursts.
Unlike other big cats, cheetahs cannot roar — they chirp, purr, and yelp.
India reintroduced African cheetahs at Kuno National Park in September 2022, the first intercontinental wild carnivore translocation in history.
Cheetahs went extinct in India in 1952 before the reintroduction programme.
Habitat & Range
Habitats
Regions
Behavior & Reproduction
Activity Pattern
Diurnal
Social Structure
Solitary or small coalitions of males
Gestation Period
90–98 days
Litter Size
3
Predators
Lions, Leopards, Humans
