Cheetahs are one of the fastest land mammals. Built for speed, with a contoured ribcage, narrow waist, supple spine allowing them to lengthen their stride, non-retractable claws and longer limbs than other cats, they can achieve peaks of 100 km/h over short distances.
 
Newborns weigh 250–300g. For the first few weeks they hide in the tall savannah grass, with their mother moving them about frequently. At about 8 weeks, they can follow her as she hunts and start to eat solid food. They are weaned at around 4 months. 
 
Despite their athletic physique, Cheetahs are in rivalry with other great savannah predators (Lions, Hyenas), who sometimes attack young Cheetahs and often take the prey they have killed. A lack of genetic diversity within the species and frequent conflicts with farmers also threatens their long-term survival.