Blink and you'll miss it! The fastest mammal in the world, the cheetah, is one of Tanzania's iconic big cats. Pictured here in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, cheetahs inhabit diverse landscapes from the Serengeti grasslands to the arid expanses of the Sahara. They have long tails, elongated legs, and a slender build that helps them move quickly.

In early Egyptian mythology, Mafdet, goddess of justice, would often be depicted as a woman wearing the head of a cheetah. Ancient Egyptians also believed that cheetahs carried away the spirits of departed pharaohs. These days, cheetahs face threats from habitat loss, human conflict, poaching, and diseases, leaving their global population vulnerable. Let's commit to protecting their habitat and preserving their legacy for generations to come.