The world's fastest land animal, the cheetah, is a unique and the most specialized member of the cat family and can reach speeds of 70 mph. Unlike other cats, the cheetah has a leaner body, longer legs, and has been referred to as the greyhound of the cats. It is not an aggressive animal, using flight versus fight. With its weak jaws and small teeth, the price it paid for speed, it cannot fight larger predators to protect its kill or young.



Our attitudes and misconceptions about these species have led to their endangerment because many people deal with their fear by eliminating predators. Endangered species exist in low-population numbers and need intensive long-term management in order to survive. Attitudes toward predators must be changed if we hope to save endangered species such as the cheetah. By learning the reasons why species are endangered, we can all learn how healthy ecosystems are crucial and what will occur if we continue to pollute the environment and destroy habitats. Through environmental education, we can all work together to change the attitudes and behaviors that have led to the endangerment of predator species and help save them from extinction