What is the fastest land animal

What Is The Fastest Animal In The World?

When we think about the fastest animals in the world, we think about animals such as the cheetah, the shark, and the falcon, which manage to reach a high speed in only a few seconds. However, there are others less well-known animals that will surprise you. Don’t miss this list of the 25 fastest animals in the world.

Fastest land animals

In addition to some relentless predators who have made speed their great weapon, there are some reptiles, insects, and invertebrates whose speed will surprise you. Here you have a list of the fastest land animals in the world:

1. Tiger beetle

Have you ever seen a tiger beetle run? It’s incredible. Although it seems harmless and small, this beetle species is a voracious predator (that is why it is called tiger) that uses its sharp teeth and amazing speed as weapons.

They eat insects and worms, and they reach such speed that they need to stop after some centimeters because their sight grows hazy. They reach about 10 kilometers per hour, which by the size of their body corresponds to 400 for a human.

2. Cheetah

The cheetah is undoubtedly the fastest land animal, but the most surprising thing about it is its speed of acceleration: it manages to reach 114 kilometers per hour in ten seconds. As happens with many of these animals, its attack has to be very precise, because after a few seconds it has to stop.

It has an anatomy made to run; the big size of its heart allows it to pump more blood than the rest of felines, its lungs and nostrils are bigger to be able to absorb more oxygen, and its claws are not retractable, which makes traction easier.

3. Thomson’s gazelle

Its agility, speed, and elegance have allowed it to adapt to the terrestrial environment and escape from its predators’ attack. Thomson’s gazelle can run at 80 kilometers an hour, which is a lot for a land animal, but it is also a clever strategist, as it misleads its pursuer and warns the herd with continuous jumps.

This animal has perfect anatomy: its colors in particular, through dark spots on his body it blurs its outline to camouflage itself in arid environments.

4. Pronghorn

This strange combination of antelope and deer that lives in North America gets to 100 kilometers per hour. This is why it is in the list of the fastest animals in the world. It has the peculiarity that, in addition to speed, it has a fantastic resistance.

A pronghorn can maintain a high speed for about two hours. In fact, they have so much energy that they often run for fun.

5. Ostrich

The ostrich is the biggest and the heaviest flightless bird that has acquired an excellent ability for running. Although they do not fly, they have two small wings that they move when running to get to 90 kilometers per hour.

When it feels threatened, the ostrich runs at high-speed thanks to muscular legs and waving its wings as a deterrent method, but if it is cornered, then it uses its powerful claws.

6. Antelope

It is similar to the pronghorn, and it has the same morphology, the antelope is a big bovid that eats grass and has a peaceful character. However, when they feel threatened, they can reach 70 kilometers per hour.

Apart from the speed of movement, thanks to strong legs, antelopes have a great stride that allows them to travel great distances in a few seconds.

7. Hare

European hares reach over 60 kilometers per hour thanks to an improved traction system consisting of driving with the front legs while the rear legs pass in front and are supported to double the impulse.

Among the different types of hares that exist, the European one is the fastest, reaching 70 kilometers per hour.

8. Common basilisk

It is considered the fastest reptile in the world, and it has the extraordinary ability to walk on water without going under, precisely because of the speed. Its secret lies in the lobes of its hind legs which, when unfolded, act as fins.

This is a very useful skill, because when it goes on land, it rolls up its lobes and, feeling persecuted, it walks quickly until it reaches the water where it deploys its fins and can continue running. It measures 80 centimeters, and it can reach two meters per second.

9. Worm

You are surprised, right? Well, the worm is the fastest legless invertebrate animal on the face of the earth. The unique structure of its body made up of rings that stretch and contract allows it to reach speeds of 16 kilometers per hour, a feat for a living being without legs or skeleton.

Fastest aquatic animals

In the water, the shark is the fastest animal and the scariest, but there are also other species less known that reach high speeds. These are the fastest aquatic animals in the world.

10. Brazilian merganser

One of the great unknown sprinters in the water is the Brazilian merganser, which dwells in South American aquatic habitats and survives attacks with a distrustful character that makes it dive when it feels the danger, and a speed of up to 160 kilometers per hour.

The Brazilian merganser has developed a clever strategy to avoid being hunted: it sits on the rocks attentive to what is happening around it, and at the slightest threat it dives into the water and flees at great speed. However, there is a predator that it has not managed to dodge, man, and right now this animal is endangered.

11. Shortfin mako shark

This shortfin shark species has two characteristics that make it special: it exists in many oceans and seas, such as the Mediterranean, and according to some recent tests this is the fastest animal from the sea with a speed of 124 kilometers per hour.

To get to that speed, this type of shark has a strong musculature and a sophisticated hydrodynamic system based on a homeothermic type semicircular fin that allows it to accumulate more body energy.

12. Sailfish

It is called sailfish because it has a fin in the shape of a sail that, as in the boats, has an acceleration function. It lives in the vast oceans of the world (Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian) and reaches 119 kilometers per hour in short distances.

It reaches this speed because of its dorsal fin, which cuts through the air like a propeller, and a rigid semi-circular tail that gives it aerodynamic power. The sharpened sword-shaped muzzle completes its hunting weapons.

13. Wahoo

It is an unknown species that lives in tropical waters: in the Caribean and some seas in Central America. It is a big animal, but it is not stocky, it is rather thin, which gives it special agility.

It is one of the fastest aquatic animals because it can reach 90 kilometers per hour.

It has another very interesting peculiarity: the coloration of its scales, with silver stripes, in that long and thin body, make it camouflage itself with water when swimming at such speed. It is imperceptible.

14. Atlantic bluefin tuna

The speed achieved by the Atlantic bluefin tuna, one of the fastest animals in the aquatic world, has special merit if we take into account that it weighs from 400 to 700 kilos. Its powerful musculature and its fins give it a high speed to hunt and avoid being captured: about 70 kilometers per hour.

However, its meat is one of the most coveted in the market for its delicious flavor, which makes it one of the favorite species of fishers.

15. Blue shark

The blue shark is a marine shark widespread in coastal areas so that its particularity is its proximity to man. In addition, due to the shape of its body, it is an excellent swimmer that can reach 70 kilometers per hour.

As opposed to other more robust sharks, this one has a more agile and less heavy body that facilitates the impulse with its two dorsal fins, two pectoral fins, two anal fins and a caudal fin.

16. Swordfish

It has a similar anatomic shape as the sailfish, although it is less heavy and slimmer. Due to the speed it can reach (70 kilometers per hour) and the sharp sword it has as a snout, it is a very effective predator.

Moreover, it uses its stinger as a defensive weapon that protects it from nearly all the other marine predators. As happens with the tuna, though, the high levels of magnesium in its meat has made it a common prey for fishers.

17. Flying fish

In a list of the fastest animals in the world, the flying fish couldn’t be left out. It is a curious species of fish that distinguishes itself by traveling long distances over the oceans. Its body is a torpedo designed to reach a high speed.

To be able to fly, it reaches up to 60 kilometers per hour in the water and, from there, it gets enough strength to propel itself thanks to the movement of its dorsal fins and tail. It elevates a few meters, where it can fly for around 200 meters: which seems like a miracle if we keep in mind that it does not have wings.

Fastest flying animals

Airspace has also given rise to many species that have made speed a hunting tool or an adaptive advantage. In addition to birds, in this list, we also include some insects.

18. Peregrine falcon

The fastest bird in the world is the peregrine falcon, a bird of prey that usually flies at 100 kilometers per hour, but whose fatal attack swoops down at 360 kilometers, more than the golden eagle. That, along with its sharp beak, makes it a fearsome predator.

It eats middle-size birds, small mammals, reptiles and insects. It is blueish with a whitish belly.

19. Golden eagle

Only surpassed by the peregrine falcon, the eagle also performs lethal swooping down attacks to hunt small mammals and reptiles with their powerful claws. In this case, the golden eagle, thanks to its large wings, can reach up to 300 kilometers per hour.

It usually makes its nest in rocks, a period in which it goes to the terrestrial surface speed diving to get food for its babies. For this, they have a privileged view that allows them to see their preys at a long distance.

20. Alpine swift

The Alpine swift is the biggest bird of its species, and it is very strong. Thanks to its enormous wings in the shape of a crossbow, this swift has purified its flight and has become faster (200 kilometers per hour).

Furthermore, the swift is always in the air, where it also hunts and drinks, and even sleeps, being able to stay in permanent flight for up to 200 days.

21. Hobby

The hobby is an animal from the falcon family that is similar to the swift in its flight —the secret of its body that allows it to reach up to 200 kilometers per hour when diving is the length of its wings.

It has very long wings that when they are folded, they surpass the length of the tail. This is what allows it to make sudden turns in the air with high precision.

22. Northern gannet

It is a large seabird that sits on land only to nest the young. This bird breeds in large colonies in northern Europe and then makes a long migration to African Guinea.

To feed its babies, the Northern gannet has developed an effective method to hunt fish, consisting of a swooping attack that reaches 160 kilometers per hour.

23. Dragonfly

Another body built for speed is the one of the dragonfly, an insect with a light and long body, and thin wings whose movement propels it at 145 kilometers per hour.

As if that weren’t enough, unlike other insects it can move both the front and rear wings at the same time, allowing it to gain power and save energy on takeoff and landing. In addition, they have a perfected eye with a 360º vision to detect their preys.

24. Common teal

It is the bird that achieves greater speed in horizontal flight, up to 120 kilometers per hour, is the common teal, a species from Africa and Eurasia that has an enormous wingspan and a lot of agility in movements.

It is a small species of ducks, although when it moves, it acquires the behavior and shape of a wading bird.

25. Hummingbird

The hummingbird is one of those wonders of evolution shown in the aspect of a very little bird (no more than 9 grams) with a tail in the shape of a fan and that it maintains a vertical position from which, flapping its wings, it moves sideways, from top to bottom, and back and forth, making it a unique species.

Its metallic green feathers with shades of pink and blue, and the speed it reaches (100 kilometers per hour) make it a visual marvel.

Top 10 Fastest Land Animals In The World

Have you ever given a thought about the world’s fastest animal? In the wild, speed is an important factor when it comes down to survival. The fastest animals are the ones that hunt or those that are hunted. Their main occupation would be to prey on animals or to escape from their predators. There are fast animals in the air, fast animals in marine and today we are going to discuss the fastest land animals all over the world. So, here is a list of the top ten fastest land animals:

Fastest Land Animals In The World

1. CHEETAH- 75 Miles Per Hour

Cheetah is the undisputed king of the jungle when it comes to speed, holding nature’s land speed record for 10 million years! It is the fastest land animal in the world and it is known to clock 75mph (120 km/h) when it hunts on its prey. Having a phenomenal top speed, its acceleration is what is truly impressive as it can go from 0 to 60mph in 3 seconds or just three strides! This is better than most cars including Ferrari, Lamborghini and the McLaren. Having a small head, slender body and its long and powerful legs, no wonder this beast is known for its speed. It is one of the best land animals in the world.

2. PRONGHORN ANTELOPE- 61 Miles Per Hour

Being native only to North America, it is one of the fastest animals when it comes to long distances. Its top speed can be up to 61mph and it is known to run at 35 mph for 4 miles straight! It has a large heart and a large lung capacity which allows them to sustain this speed for miles together. The Pronghorn is actually faster than any of its potential predators in North America. It is one of the most popular grassland animals in the world.

3. SPRINGBOK- 60 Miles Per Hour

A medium size species of Gazelle, commonly found in the arid regions of South and Southwestern Africa, Springboks are not only extremely agile animals, but also incredible jumpers. They are known to leap up to 4m in the air and jump up to 15m in length in one single stride! They can also run at a speed of around 60-65mph. These attributes of a Springbok come in real handy when they have to evade lions whose favourite food they are.

4. QUARTER HORSE- 55 Miles Per Hour

The American Quarter Horse or simple Quarter Horse is an American breed of horse whose speciality is in sprinting short distances. You wonder why ‘Quarter Horse’? It got its special name due to the fact that it can outrun all the other horse breeds in a race of a quarter mile or less. These horses have been clocked at speeds up to 55mph (88.5 km/h). The American Quarter Horse is also the most popular breed of horse in the United States today.

5. BLUE WILDEBEEST- 50 Miles Per Hour

Wildebeests are large antelopes native to Africa. These mammals are especially known for their migrations during the dry seasons in Africa. Apart from that, these species are energetic and are also widely known for their speed. Speed is most crucial in the wilderness for these large beasts because they have to outrun their predators like cheetahs, hyenas and lions among others. During a run, Wildebeests are known to run up to 50mph. But unfortunately for them, lions can run at the same speed as well and to avoid getting themselves killed, they always move in large herds to protect each other.

6. LION- 50 Miles Per Hour

Lions are the second largest cat species in the world and if that is not quite enough, combine it with intense pace and stealth and now you have the KING of the jungle. Lions are known to hunt in groups called ‘pride’. Each pride consists of 10-30 members. Lions can run up to 50mph (80km/h). Along with their ferociousness, stealth and bursts of speed lions have a high success rate of hunting down their predators. It is also one of the loudest animals in the world.

7. BLACKBUCK- 50 Miles Per Hour

Native to Indian grasslands and open woodlands, Blackbucks got their names because the bucks (or the males) turned black as they aged. The males are also famous because of they’re long, spiralled horns. Blackbuck antelopes can also reach speeds up to 50mph but this top speed can be sustained for only about a mile or so. Therefore, their primary weapon is speed and it is used to get away from predators.

8. GREYHOUND- 45 Miles Per Hour

Greyhounds are the fastest dog breeds in the world and because of this dog breed is used in hunting and in dog racing. They are sigh hounds which means that they hunt by keeping their prey in sight, unlike the bloodhounds who hunt more based on their hearing and smell. Their long, lean bodies, muscular, strong legs and flexible spine help them attain speeds around 45mph (74km/h). But besides all these, greyhounds are known to have a composed and friendly nature. Also, read about biggest dog breeds in the world.

9. JACKRABBIT- 45 Miles Per Hour

Despite its name, Jackrabbit is actually a hare found in the western parts of North America. Jackrabbits have strong and powerful hind legs which not only allow them to run fast but also leap high in the air as well. They can leap up to 6m or 20ft. in a single bound. They can also attain a top speed of up to 45mph (74km/h) when they are hunted by their predators. A combination of this speed, zigzag manner running and incredible leaps help them in outrunning their predators and surviving in the wild.

10. OSTRICH- 44 Miles Per Hour

Native to Africa and also being the only bird to make this countdown of the fastest land animals, the Ostrich gets around to different places by running instead of flying. Ostrich buries its head in sand when it is afraid is one of the most common myths about animals. It is the largest and heaviest living bird. When threatened. They often evade their predators by running with the help of those long, powerful limbs but when threatened they can stand their ground and defend themselves with kicks from their strong legs. While running, these flightless birds can reach up to a top speed of 44mph (70km\h). It is also listed as one of the strange animals found only in Africa.

There are other animals like elks, kangaroos, African Wild Dogs and Coyotes who come very close but do not make the cut and the above list is the top ten fastest land animals on the planet.

30 Fastest Animals in the World: Land, Air, Water

Posted on Last updated: April 28, 2022

What are the fastest animals in the world? In this post, you’ll learn about the world’s 30 fastest animals. They are organized by land, air, and water. And include mammals, birds, sharks, fish. And both predator and prey.

The world’s fastest land animal is the cheetah with a top speed of 76 mph (122 km/h). The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird at 242 mph (389 km/h). And the fastest water-based animal is the black marlin that can move 82 mph (132 km/h). Here are the ten fastest animals in each category.

The fastest animals in the world are cheetahs (land), peregrine falcons (air), and black marlins (water).

In this article, you’re going to learn about 30 of the fastest animals (pause for dramatic effect) in the world. You’ll learn top speeds, how they use it, and where to find them.

Saddle up for this speedy ride. The following lists will be in ascending order (going from slowest to fastest).

But first, here are the fastest animals in each category. If you just want to know the fastest land, air, or water animal here they are.

Table of Contents

World’s Fastest Animals

The following animals are the top fastest animals in each category.

Fastest Land Animal: Cheetah

Cheetahs have the record for the fastest animal on land.

At a top speed of 61 mph and the ability to get there within seconds, no other land animal comes close unaided.

This is useful, as cheetahs often prey on animals that are speedy themselves.

Fastest Flying Animal: Peregrine Falcon

When it comes to the sky, Peregrine falcons have the crown. The fastest of all creatures on any list, Peregrine falcons can get to a whopping 242 mph!

In comparison, humans have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to get close to that speed.

Fastest Water Animal: Black Marlin

The water speed record goes to the black marlin.

While some scientists suggest that they have a burst speed of only 22 mph (35 km/h), some reports have them pulling a fishing line at 120 ft (36.5m) per second, which equates to 82 mph (132 km/h)!

To compare, the fastest human can get to 28 mph (45 km/h). So we humans could get nowhere near this list, no matter how hard we trained nor whatever physical gifts we may have.

Now that we’ve seen the fastest of the fastest, let’s take look at a more comprehensive list of 30 of the fastest animals on the planet.

10 Fastest Land Animals in the World

These magnificent creatures can be summed up generally in two categories, those who use their speed to catch their prey, and those who use their speed to escape predators.

10. Cougar

9. Lynx (Eurasian, Canada, Iberian)

8. Blackbuck or Indian Antelope

7. Lion

6. Blue Wildebeest

Blue wildebeest are among the largest antelopes in Africa.

5. Thomson’s Gazelle

4. Springbok

Springbok antelope in the air

3. Common Tsessebe or Sassaby

2. Pronghorn

1. Cheetah

Learn more about how fast a cheetah can run. And how to tell a cheetah and leopard apart. Check out these photos of adorable cheetah cubs.

10 Fastest Flying Animals in the World

Not only are the following the fastest creatures in the air, but they are considered to be the top 10 fastest animals in the world, full stop.

10. Eurasian hobby

9. African Crowned Eagle

8. Mexican or Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat

7. White-Throated Needletail Swift

6. Red-Tailed Hawk

5. Gyrfalcon

4. Ferruginous Hawk

3. Golden Eagle

Golden eagle in flight

The golden eagle is one of the largest eagles in the world. Learn more about all 68 types of eagles.

2. Saker Falcon

1. Peregrine Falcon

10 Fastest Water Animals in the World

Water is a tricky thing when it comes to speed. Some scientists estimate any records of speed beyond 22 mph may be questionable, as they claim that fish may not actually be able to go beyond that. They say this is due to physical limitations.

As a result, the following speeds may need to be taken with a grain of salt.

10. Killer Whale

9. Great Barracuda

8. Flying Fish

7. Atlantic Bonito

6. Bonefish

5. Shortfin Mako Shark

4. Yellowfin Tuna

3. Swordfish

2. Atlantic and Indo-Pacific Sailfish

1. Black Marlin

Why Isn’t a Particular Animal here?

It’s important to note that many of these speeds are estimated.

So the ordering may constantly be in flux. Some animals that are missing here may deserve a place in their respective top 10s.

Another reason could be the disparity of estimated speeds, along with the lack of verified information.

For example, some estimated top speeds of the common ostrich can range anywhere from 43 to 60 mph (69 to 97 km/h). That’s a big difference!

Peregrine falcon in flight – the world’s fastest bird

Your Turn!

Let me know what you thought of this speed list. Which one is your favorite animal? Comment below!

Have an addition to the list? Let me know, along with a reference for speed, and I’ll do my best to add them.

Hello, I’m Joshua Diegor. My love for travel began I was 18 when I went with some friends to New York City. All in all, I’ve traveled to 6 continents and 14 countries.

I’m a regular contributor to Storyteller Travel.

Posted on Last updated: April 28, 2022

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The Fastest Land Animals

top 11 fastest land animals in the world

Speed can be a matter of death or survival in the natural world. The fastest land animals in the world listed below are all either prey or predators, and it’s their speed that gives them the edge in the wild. The list looks at all land animals worldwide, with six of these top ten fastest land animals endemic to Africa.

There are different ways to rank the speed of fast animals – some lists look at speed compared to body length, which results in insects being included as some of the fastest land animals, and some lists look at acceleration, which would put some of these snakes as the fastest. This list of fastest land animals in the world simply looks at the top recorded speed of a species and ranks them one to ten.

It’s interesting to note that if we looked at ranking the speed of the fastest animals in the world (land, sea, and air), the cheetah would not even make the top ten, due to the many birds that can move faster. (Want to know what is the fastest animal in the world – on land, sea, or air?)

With this context in mind, read on for the full list of the top 10 fastest land animals in the world:

11 Fastest land animals ranked:

1. Cheetah

120.7 km / 75 m per hour

Cheetah profile – the world’s fastest land animal

The cheetah can accelerate from a standing start to over 95 km per hour in 3 seconds. The cheetah top speed is around 120 km per hour – by far the fastest land animal in the world, streets ahead of all other wild cats, and the fastest running animal. This fast speed is limited to very short bursts, however, with cheetahs able to sprint at top speed for around 60 seconds only.

Fun cheetah fact: Whilst sprinting cheetahs spend more time in the air than on the ground…. so they’re the fastest animal on land, but not actually on the ground too much when sprinting!

2. Pronghorn

88.5 km / 55 m per hour

Pronghorn antelope – one of the fastest land animals, and the fastest antelope.

Ranging from Canada to California the pronghorn is not only the second fastest land animal, but also has the stamina to run at pace over long distances, with the ability to run at a maximum speed of 56 km h for 6 km.

3. Springbok

88 km / 55 m per hour

Springbok jumping in the air

The springbok is a smallish gazelle that lives in herds across southern Africa. Aside from their speed – which they can maintain only for short distances – their special skills are 3 meter high bounce-like jumps, and sharp turns whilst running at pace, enabling them to shake off chasing predators.

5. Quarter Horse

88 km / 54.7 m per hour

American quarter horse

4. Wildebeest

80.5 km / 50 m per hour

Blue wildebeest running

There are two species of wildebeest found in East and Southern Africa – the blue wildebeest and black wildebeest – both of which are surprisingly fast for their size. Their build lends them to endurance running rather than sprinting, which helps them in their epic continual overland migration.

5. Lion

80.5 km / 50 m per hour

Lioness scouting for prey

The only member of the big five animals to make this list of fastest land animals, the lion is the fastest big cat in the world (a cheetah is not a big cat!) with a top speed of 80 km per hour. Like the cheetah, the lion can only manage their top speed for short bursts, meaning they need to stalk close to their prey and work as a team to ensure a successful hunt.

6. Blackbuck

80 km / 50 m per hour

Blackbuck stalks through tall grass

The blackbuck (aka the Indian antelope) is found across southern Asia in India, Nepal, and Pakistan. They are able to maintain their top speed of 80 km per hour for over 1.5 km, helped by their huge strides of 6.5 meters. Because of the male’s impressive horns, blackbuck are sadly a popular trophy animals for hunters.

7. Hare

80 km / 50 m per hour

Hare jumping over water

Hares have long, powerful hind legs that help them reach speeds of up to 80 km per hour to evade predators in their grassland habitats. Similar in form to common rabbits, hares have longer ears and live solitarily or in pairs above ground, hence the need for their speed.

8. Greyhound

74 km / 46 m per hour

Greyhound running at full speed

Greyhounds belong to a family of hunting dogs called sighthounds and have been bred over hundreds of years to become the fastest dogs in the world, with a recorded top speed of 74 km per hour.

9. Kangaroo

71 km / 44 m per hour

Kangaroo with joey in pouch

Kangaroos are large marsupials found only in Australia and some New Guinea islands. Their long, strong back legs and muscular tails are made for speed, and they’ve been recorded hopping at 71 km per hour in short bursts, considerably faster than their cruising speed of around 25 km per hour.

10. African wild dog

71 km / 44 m per hour

The endangered African wild dogs are impressive in their successful hunt percentage of over 60% – a result of their speed and stamina, amongst other things. They can sprint at 66 km per hour in short bursts, and run for longer distances at 60 km per hour.

Other honorable fast animal mentions:

Quarter horse

So-called for its ability to outrun all other horse breeds in races of a quarter mile or less, these horses are excellent short-distance sprinters, and have been clocked at speeds up to 88.5 kilometers per hour.

Ostrich

The fastest land birds, and the fastest animal on two legs, ostriches are superb runners with 3.7-meter strides that can reach up to 72 kilometers per hour when sprinting.

Peregrine falcon

The Peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in the world, able to exceed 320 km/h when diving to catch prey.

And that’s our list of the top 10 fastest land animals on earth. Any that surprise you? Or any other super-fast animals that we’re missing? Let us know in the comments section below.

The Fastest Animals on Earth

The curation of this content is at the discretion of the author, and not necessarily reflective of the views of Encyclopaedia Britannica or its editorial staff. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult individual encyclopedia entries about the topics.

In the animal kingdom, speed can mean the difference between life and death. Predators use their speed to overtake and overpower their prey, while animals with few other defenses rely on speed to avoid becoming dinner. Here are some of the fastest animals in the world.

Fastest Land Animal

Capable of going from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than three seconds, the cheetah is considered the fastest land animal, though it is able to maintain such speeds only for short distances. Lions are also quite fast when hunting prey, with a top speed of about 50 miles per hour. However, the common prey of African big cats can be pretty speedy as well. The springbok, for example, can reach 55 miles per hour when pursued, and the blue wildebeest has been clocked at 50 miles per hour.

Fastest Land Animal (Long Distances)

Whereas the cheetah is the fastest sprinter, the pronghorn, also known as the American antelope, is the fastest long-distance runner of the animal kingdom. It is capable of maintaining a speed of nearly 35 miles per hour over several miles and is even faster over shorter distances. During sprints to elude predators, pronghorns can hit top speeds of about 55 miles per hour thanks to special cushions on their hooves and the ability to take in large quantities of oxygen as they run.

Fastest Fish

A variety of fish can achieve impressive speeds when necessary, but gathering accurate, verifiable calculations has been challenging. According to some sources, the black marlin is fastest, with an estimated top speed of up to 80 miles per hour. The sailfish is also a top contender, with an estimated top speed of at least 67 miles per hour.

Fastest Insect

Insect speeds can be difficult to measure accurately. However, it is known that the common horsefly can achieve speeds estimated at 90 miles per hour under certain circumstances, a speed gauged during a scientific experiment.

Fastest Bird

When it comes to jaw-dropping speed, birds are nature’s Olympians. The peregrine falcon is considered the fastest bird and the fastest member of the animal kingdom, with a flight-diving speed of more than 185 miles per hour when hunting. Another superfast bird is the golden eagle, which dives at 150+ miles per hour. The white-throated needletail swift can achieve speeds of 105 miles per hour in horizontal flight, and the Eurasian hobby can get up to 100 miles per hour.