which big cat is in the genus acinonyx
Acinonyx jubatus portrait. Â© 2007 Mark Probst. The cheetah is a big cat and is now, mainly found in southern Africa. It is known for its speed as it is able to accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in only three seconds, and it is able to reach speeds of around 70 miles per hour (112 kilometers per hour).