The Cheetah

The Cheetah is a large cat of the plains of Africa and
Asia. It stands 3 to 4 feet high and has a small head and a
long, full tail.. The cheetah has a yellowish color, with
black spots over all its body except the throat. Its long
body and slender legs make it the fastest animal known for
running short distances. It can run at a top speed of about
65 miles per hour. Because of this, the cheetah can run
down its prey after stalking close to it. 

Some Africans use the cheetah's skin to make clothes for
their chiefs. The cheetah is tamed and trained for hunting
in India. Hunters hold it by a leash and blindfold it until
the game appears. When freed, the cheetah makes a quick
dash for the animal and hold it down. 

Since 1900, the number of cheetahs has declined in many
parts of Africa. The species is nearly extinct in Asia.