Which big cat's scientific name is Acinonyx jubatus?

The big cat whose scientific name is Acinonyx jubatus is the cheetah.

Acinonyx is the cheetah’s genus, and jubatus is its species name, making Acinonyx jubatus the binomial scientific name of the living cheetah. The cheetah is the only living species in its genus, which reflects how distinctive it is among cats. Its body is specialized for short, explosive pursuits rather than wrestling large prey.

Cheetahs have long legs, a flexible spine, enlarged nasal passages, powerful hind limbs, and a long tail used for balance during sharp turns. Their claws are only partly retractable, giving them extra traction. Black tear-like markings beneath the eyes may help reduce glare, though their exact function is still discussed by researchers.

The cheetah is often confused with the leopard because both have spotted coats. Cheetah spots are solid, while leopard markings are rosettes. Cheetahs also have a slimmer build and distinctive facial tear stripes. The generic name Acinonyx is associated with the cat’s unusually limited claw retraction, another contrast with most other felids.