# Are Cheetahs Endangered?

> Cheetahs are IUCN Vulnerable (~6,500 mature on 9% of historic range). Asiatic cheetahs in Iran are Critically Endangered.

- **Species:** Cheetah (*Acinonyx jubatus*)
- **Conservation status:** Vulnerable
- **Diet:** Carnivore
- **Habitat:** Grassland, savanna, semi-desert
- **Lifespan:** 10–12 years in the wild
- **Top speed:** Up to 112 km/h (70 mph)
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/cheetah/why-are-cheetahs-endangered/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/cheetah/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

The cheetah is the fastest land animal, capable of reaching 112 km/h (70 mph) in short bursts. Built for speed with a slender body, long legs, and a flexible spine, it relies on quick daytime chases rather than ambush. Cheetahs are found mainly in Africa and live around 10 to 12 years in the wild.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need the full biology — use the [Cheetah profile](https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/cheetah/) instead.

## Built for speed

Everything about the cheetah is designed for acceleration. A lightweight frame, long legs, enlarged heart and lungs, and a flexible spine let it reach 112 km/h and go from 0 to 100 km/h in just a few seconds. Its semi-retractable claws act like running spikes for grip.

## Help protect the Cheetah

Cheetahs are down to about 6,500 mature animals on roughly 9% of historic range. WARN funds habitat partners — it does not run Namibian cheetah farms or Iran’s Asiatic-cheetah programme.

[Donate to habitat protection](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/appeals/habitats/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/cheetah/why-are-cheetahs-endangered/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.