Which large cat is the fastest land animal?

The cheetah is the fastest land animal.

Its scientific name is Acinonyx jubatus, and it is the only living species in its genus. Its speed comes from a flexible spine, long legs, powerful hindlimbs, enlarged nasal passages, and a lightweight build. A cheetah can accelerate dramatically, reaching about 100 km/h in only a few seconds, but it can sustain top speed for just a short sprint.

Cheetahs hunt by pursuit, usually stalking close before bursting after prey such as gazelles and impalas. Their non-retractable claws provide traction, while black tear marks beneath the eyes may reduce glare and help them focus on prey. They are built for acceleration rather than endurance.

The often-repeated claim that cheetahs reach 120 km/h is generally considered unreliable. The highest reliably measured speeds are closer to 100–104 km/h. The pronghorn is slower but can maintain high speed much longer, while the peregrine falcon is faster overall—but only in a dive, not on land.