Top 12 Fastest Land Animals in the World
Speed and agility are crucial for survival in the animal kingdom. Over time, many land animals have evolved to reach incredible speeds as a means of catching prey or evading predators. From lightning-fast mammals to reptiles that move almost too quickly to see, the diversity of fast land animals is truly astounding.
In this article, we will count down the 12 fastest land animals on Earth, looking at their unique adaptations and just how quickly they can move. The speeds we will discuss are the maximum reliable speeds recorded for each animal – on occasions, some may have been observed moving slightly faster.
Animal speed and agility comes down to a variety of factors, including muscle strength, stamina, reflexes, limb length and flexibility. For many fast animals, their speed is linked to capturing prey or escaping from danger. Throughout evolution, natural selection has resulted in some incredible athletic performers in the natural world.
There are a few key limitations around estimating animal speeds accurately. It is very difficult to reliably measure the absolute maximum speed of a running or flying animal. The vast majority of speed measurements for animals are taken from observations in the wild, rather than controlled experiments. As a result, there is some variation in the speed figures reported by different studies.
Wherever possible, we will strive to use speeds that have been scientifically measured and verified. However, it is worth noting that most speed figures represent the maximum observed speed, which may be slightly higher or lower than the true biological maximum for that species. With these caveats in mind, let’s begin the countdown of the fastest land animals on the planet!
12. Lion
Maximum Speed: 81 km/h or 50 mph
The lion may not be the first animal that comes to mind when thinking of speed and agility. However, these iconic African predators are deceptively fast over short distances.
Lions have a number of anatomical adaptations that enable explosive acceleration. Their powerful hind limbs allow them to leap distances of over 10 meters to pounce on prey. Lions also have flexible spines that work like coiled springs, enabling rapid reflexes and changes of direction when hunting.
When sprinting, lions can reach speeds of 81 km/h (50 mph) for short 100 – 200 meter bursts. Their top speed declines sharply with distance, and they lack the stamina for long chases. Instead, lions rely on stealth and short rapid charges to take down prey.
Lions may not be marathon runners, but their performance over short distances earns them first place among the big cats in terms of speed.
11. Wildebeest
Maximum Speed: 80 km/h or 50 mph
The wildebeest may look ungainly, but it can gallop at up to 50 mph over the open plains of Africa. This animal is specially adapted for long migratory journeys in search of new grazing grounds.
Wildebeest have slender, athletic bodies and long, spindly legs. These adaptations allow them to cover great distances at moderate speeds. When sprinting, wildebeest can reach an impressive 80 km/h (50 mph) at full tilt. However, they lack the agility and stamina to maintain these speeds over long distances.
Instead, a steady canter of around 40 km/h is the preferred gait for migrating wildebeest. Even at this more moderate pace, wildebeest herds can cover over 100 miles in a single day while migrating. This combination of speed and stamina allows wildebeest to undertake their epic annual migrations across the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems.
10. Coyote
Maximum Speed: 69 km/h or 43 mph
The coyote is one of the most adaptable canine species in the Americas. While not as swift as their larger wolf cousins, coyotes can reach speeds of up to 43 miles per hour over short distances.
Coyotes have a slender, lightweight build and long legs for their size. This physique enables them to be rapid runners and make agile changes of direction. Sprinting speeds of over 40 miles per hour are common during pursuit of prey across open ground. Their stamina also allows coyotes to maintain more moderate trotting speeds of 10-20 mph for much longer periods.
In the harsh deserts and plains of its natural habitat, speed and stamina give the coyote an edge when hunting prey or avoiding danger. On occasion, coyotes have even been observed keeping pace with cars traveling at up to 65mph on open roads.
9. Jackrabbit
Maximum Speed: 70 km/h or 43 mph
Jackrabbits are a group of large hares that inhabit North America. With their disproportionately long hind legs, jackrabbits have evolved for speed and can reach astonishing velocities.
The black-tailed jackrabbit holds the record for the fastest speed reliably recorded for the species – a lightning-fast 43 mph. However, there are unverified reports of black-tailed jackrabbits running at almost 55mph while being chased.
Jackrabbits rely on these burst of speed as their primary defense against predators. They have excellent acceleration and agility, capable of changing direction at extreme speeds. This enables them to easily outrun predators like coyotes, foxes and bobcats in a chase across open ground.
For speed and agility, the jackrabbit has few rivals in North America. No doubt it will continue to use its lightning reflexes to evade predators and thrill nature enthusiasts alike.
8. Giraffe
Maximum Speed: 88 km/h or 55 mph
As the tallest mammals on Earth, giraffes have evolved a unique running gait all of their own. Their speed and agility does not immediately stand out due to their towering height and unusual galloping motion. However, giraffes are capable of astonishing bursts of speed across open ground.
A giraffe’s legs alone can reach heights of over 2.5 meters (8 feet). Combined with a flexible neck and sloped back, this gives them an incredible stride length while running. At full speed, a galloping giraffe can cover 5-6 meters (16-20 ft) with each stride. This translates to speeds of up to 55mph – impressive for such a large animal.
Their tall build also gives giraffes excellent visibility while running, helping them avoid collisions and spot approaching predators. While not built for extended chases, the giraffe’s speed and agility helps protect it from lions and hyenas on the African savannah.
7. Ostrich
Maximum Speed: 97 km/h or 60 mph
As the largest living bird, the ostrich is uniquely adapted for running. Native to the open plains of Africa, ostriches can sprint at up to 60 mph, using their wings like rudders to steer and balance.
Ostriches have powerful, long legs with two toes on each foot. Their sturdy legs can deliver immense forward thrust with each stride. At top speeds, their elongated wings help stabilize them as they run, despite not being capable of flight.
When needed, ostriches are also able to carry their speed over moderate distances. They can maintain a steady pace of 50mph for up to half an hour. Even a running human in peak physical condition would struggle to keep up with an ostrich at anything much faster than a jog.
With their speed and stamina, ostriches are able to cover large areas while foraging for food or escaping threats. They earn their ranking as one of the fastest animals on two legs.
6. Thomson’s Gazelle
Maximum Speed: 96 km/h or 60 mph
This petite African antelope excels in speed and agility. Nicknamed the ‘gazelle thomsonii’, it is specially adapted for sprinting across the open savannah to escape big cats and other predators.
Thomson’s gazelles have lithe, athletic bodies and slender limbs that allow rapid acceleration. When sprinting flat-out, they are capable of an astonishing 60 mph at top speed. Their smaller stature also allows them to be highly agile, changing direction rapidly without losing momentum.
Short bursts of extreme speed form Thomson’s gazelle’s main defense against cheetahs, wild dogs and other predators. Their speed enables them to react and evade attacks at the last moment. Over longer distances, they are also capable of maintaining a respectable canter of 30-40 mph.
Next time you are on safari in Africa, keep an eye out for this little antelope – one of the fastest running animals around.
5. Brown Hare
Maximum Speed: 97 km/h or 60 mph
Like its close cousin the jackrabbit, the brown hare relies on speed and agility to avoid being the next meal for predators. With strong back legs and a flexible spine, the humble hare can hit 60mph at full tilt.
In a sprint, a brown hare takes rapid leaps of over 9 feet at once, reaching up to 5 strides per second. This lets it accelerate and change direction with extreme agility. Over short distances of 100-200 meters, trained hares have been recorded at almost 72km/h (45 mph).
Most predators like foxes and wildcats do not stand a chance at catching an adult hare at full speed. If given enough open space to build momentum, the hare’s acceleration and agility leave most hunters in the dust. Truly one of nature’s speedsters, the common brown hare earned its ranking on this list.
4. Greyhound
Maximum Speed: 112 km/h or 70 mph
Bred as racing and hunting dogs, greyhounds are born to run. Their aerodynamic build, long legs and flexible spine enable them to reach speeds of over 40 mph.
Greyhounds have a proportionally larger heart and greater blood volume than most dogs, adaptations that allow more oxygen circulation during sprints. Their long, powerful legs allow them to take giant 20 foot strides when galloping at top speed.
Racing greyhounds demonstrate the incredible speed and stamina of the breed. However, wild greyhounds (or coyotes) can run even faster when escaping danger, clocking over 70mph at full tilt.
When allowed to really open up on a straight, flat course, few canines can hope to keep pace with a greyhound – one of the fastest accelerating land animals on the planet.
3. Cheetah
Maximum Speed: 120 km/h or 75 mph
The cheetah is built for one purpose – extreme speed. With aerodynamic bodies, ultra-flexible spines and lightweight frames, cheetahs are able to reach 75 mph – faster than any other land animal on Earth.
Everything about the cheetah is designed for velocity and acceleration. Their extra-long tail provides balance for tight, high speed turns. Big nostrils and lungs allow rapid air intake during sprints. They also have a larger than normal heart for fast blood circulation.
While the cheetah can only maintain top speed for around 200 – 400 meters, their acceleration is rapid. They can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds – faster than many sports cars.
This amazing speed allows cheetahs to chase down swift prey like gazelles and hares. However, their bodies cannot cope with extreme physical exertion for long, so most hunts end after relatively short bursts at top gear.
Nonetheless, the cheetah has earned its ranking through evolution as the fastest running animal on the planet.
2. Pronghorn Antelope
Maximum Speed: 130 km/h or 80 mph
The pronghorn antelope isn’t as well known as the cheetah, but it can reach even greater speeds when provoked. Capable of bursts of 80mph, it is the second fastest land animal in the world.
Pronghorn evolved in North America, where they fill an ecological niche similar to the antelope. They have light, slender builds with remarkably elongated windpipes. This allows them to take in immense quantities of air when running at high speeds.
They also have cushioned, pointed hoofs that flex on impact with the ground. Combined with powerful hind legs, this anatomical adaption provides exceptional acceleration.
Pronghorn use their speed to escape from coyotes and cougars, their main predators. They are also highly endurant runners, maintaining 30 mph for over 20 miles. There are accounts of pronghorn being chased by cars at up to 60mph, keeping pace for many miles before tiring.
Truly one of the most remarkable running machines in nature, the pronghorn has earned second place on our countdown.
1. Sailfish
Maximum Speed: 167 km/h or 110 mph
And now, the undisputed fastest land creature of them all – the sailfish. Reaching incredible top speeds of 110 mph, sailfish are the fastest predators in the ocean.
Although technically aquatic, sailfish display similarly astonishing speed statistics as land animals adapted for running and sprinting. They use their speed while hunting schools of fish, relying on rapid acceleration and agility in the open ocean.
Sailfish have huge, aerodynamic dorsal fins that retract into a groove on their back. By fully extending this fin, they use it like a wing to achieve truly amazing speeds. They also have compact, streamlined bodies ideal for bursts of acceleration while chasing down prey.
While cheetahs may be the fastest terrestrial animal, sailfish take top prize for velocity in any conditions. Having earned the title of the ocean’s fastest fish, they have more than earned their place at number one.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this countdown of the fastest land animals on Earth. It’s amazing to see how different species have adapted over millions of years to excel in speed and agility.
While figures for animal speeds vary between studies, these twelve contenders undoubtedly include some of the most remarkable runners in nature. From lightning reflexes to incredible stamina, they are perfectly adapted for survival in their respective habitats.
Changing factors like motivation, wind, terrain and distance make measuring absolute peak speeds difficult in the field. However, the maximum figures stated give us a valuable insight into how truly fast land animals can run when they really put their mind to it!
The next time you see a cheetah sprint, bull whip across grassland, or greyhound racing at full tilt, remember the astonishing athleticism of these animals. Along with other speedy species, they represent the limits of velocity, agility and stamina attainable in nature.