Speed in the animal kingdom is a captivating phenomenon that has evolved over millions of years, enabling creatures to survive and thrive in the respective environment. From the heart-pounding sprints across savannas to the lightning-fast dashes through forests, the animal kingdom boasts an array of remarkable runners. These creatures have evolved to master the art of velocity, carving their places as the fastest animals on land. In this article, we will get to know about the fastest land animals in the world.
Fastest Land Animal in the World
The fastest land animal of the world is Cheetah with the top speed of 120 km per hour, three times faster than the top running speed of a human which is about 36kph/ 22mph.
Here is the list of Top-10 fastest land animal in the world:
| S. No. | Animal | Speed (in km per hour) | Speed (in mi per hour) |
| 1. | Cheetah | 120 | 75 |
| 2. | Pronghorn | 88.5 | 55 |
| 3. | Springbok | 88 | 55 |
| 4. | Quarter Horse | 88 | 54.7 |
| 5. | Wildebeest | 80.5 | 50 |
| 6. | Lion | 80.5 | 50 |
| 7. | Blackbuck | 80 | 50 |
| 8. | Hare | 80 | 50 |
| 9. | Greyhound | 74 | 46 |
| 10. | Kangaroo | 71 | 44 |
1. Fastest Land Animal in the World: Cheetah
Scientific name: Acinonyx jubatus
Mass: 21-72 kg
Speed: 80-130 km/h
Cheetah is the world’s fastest land animal. With its aerodynamic body and specialised features, such as non-retractable claws and an enlarged heart and lungs, the cheetah can reach speeds up to 75 miles per hour (120 km per hour). Its speed is three times the running speed of human which is about 36kph/ 22mph.
2. Second Fastest Land Animal in the World: Pronghorn
Scientific name: Antilocapra Americana
Mass: 40-65 (male); 34-48 (female)
Speed: 88.5 km/h
The Pronghorn, native to North America, is the second fastest animal in the world. Capable of maintaining speed of around 55 miles per hour (88.5 km per hour) for long distances, this herbivore’s remarkable sprinting abilities evolved as a defence mechanism against predators in open habitats.
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3. Third Fastest Land Animal in the World: Springbok
Scientific name: Aantidorcas marsupialis
Mass: 33-48 (male); 30-44 (female)
Speed: 88 km/h
Springbok, found in the southern regions of Africa, is the third fastest land animal in the world. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 88 km per hour (55 miles per hour), this animal’s distinctive pronking behaviour involves repeated high jumps into the air while running, likely as a display of vitality to potential predators and rivals.
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