This is a list of the fastest animals in the world, by types of animal.
Fastest organism
The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird, and the fastest member of the animal kingdom, with a diving speed of over 300 km/h (190 mph).[1] The fastest land animal is the cheetah. Among the fastest animals in the sea is the black marlin, with uncertain and conflicting reports of recorded speeds.[2][3]
When drawing comparisons between different classes of animals, an alternative unit is sometimes used for organisms: body length per second. On this basis the 'fastest' organism on earth, relative to its body length, is the Southern Californian mite, Paratarsotomus macropalpis, which has a speed of 322 body lengths per second.[4] The equivalent speed for a human, running as fast as this mite, would be 1,300 mph (2,092 km/h),[5] or approximately Mach 1.7. The speed of the P. macropalpis is far in excess of the previous record holder, the Australian tiger beetleRivacindela hudsoni, which is the fastest insect in the world relative to body size, with a recorded speed of 1.86 metres per second (6.7 km/h; 4.2 mph), or 171 body lengths per second.[6] The cheetah, the fastest land mammal, scores at only 16 body lengths per second.[4]
The peregrine falcon is the fastest aerial animal, fastest animal in flight, fastest bird, and the overall fastest member of the animal kingdom. The peregrine falcon achieves its highest velocity not in horizontal level flight, but during its characteristic hunting stoop (vertical flight). While stooping, the peregrine falcon soars to a great height, then dives steeply at speed of over 320 km/h (200 mph).[1] Assuming the maximum size at 58 cm (23 in), its relative speed clocks at 186 body lengths per second during its hunting swoop, the equivalent of a human running at 170 m/s (560 ft/s).
240–320 km/h (150–200 mph) 67–89 m/s (220–293 ft/s) [8]
Flight-diving
Assuming the maximum size at 1.02 m (3 ft 4 in), its relative speed clocks at 66–87 body lengths per second, the equivalent of a human running at 60–80 m/s (197–262 ft/s).
Fastest land animal, fastest feline, the cheetah can accelerate from 0 to 96.6 km/h (60.0 mph) in under three seconds, though endurance is limited.[19]
The American Quarter Horse, or Quarter Horse, is an American breed of horse that excels at sprinting short distances. Its name came from its ability to outdistance other horse breeds in races of a quarter mile or less; some have been clocked at speeds up to 88.5 km/h (55.0 mph).
The Australian tiger beetle, Rivacindela hudsoni, is one of the fastest running insects in the world relative to body size, which has been recorded at 6.8 km/h (4.2 mph) or 171 body lengths per second. It can fly at 43 km/h (27 mph).
0.7 mm long mite endemic to Southern California, tracked running up to 322 body lengths per second, equivalent to a human running at around 2,092 km/h (1,300 mph). Because of this feat, it is ranked the fastest animal on the planet relative to its body size. It can also achieve this speed across a concrete surface at a temperature of 60 °C (140 °F), which is lethal to many animals.[5][38]
Fish
Due to physical constraints, fish may be incapable of exceeding swim speeds of 36 km/h (22 mph).[2][3] The larger reported figures below are therefore highly questionable:
In a series of tests carried out in a fishing cam at Long Key, Florida, United States, sailfish swam and leapt 91 meters (300 ft) in 3 seconds, equivalent to a speed of 109 km/h (68 mph), although this speed includes leaps out of the water, which do not strictly qualify as swimming speed.
The 60 mph (97 km/h) figure listed for the swordfish is based on a corrupted version of calculations made by Sir James Gray to estimate the impact speed necessary for a hypothetical 600-pound (270 kg) swordfish to embed its sword 3 feet in the timbers of ships, as has been known to occur; the figure seems to have entered the literature without question as though someone had actually timed a swordfish at that speed.
Many tuna species are capable of swimming at fast speeds colloquially cited at around 80 km/h (50 mph). The tails of tuna move fast enough to cause cavitation, which slows them down as vapour accumulates.[3] Tuna have bony fins without nerve endings, which prevents the fish from feeling the pain of cavitation but does not fully protect them from the implosive damage.
Underwater and unimpeded by a fishing line, the Shortfin mako has been reliably clocked at 50 km/h (31 mph), and there is a claim that one individual of this species achieved a burst speed of 74 km/h (46 mph). But it is extremely difficult to get a fish in the wild to swim in a straight line over a measured course. Laboratory measurements of numerous kinds of fishes – representing a wide range of body sizes – swimming against an artificial current have revealed a surprisingly uniform maximum burst speed of about 10 times the body length per second. Thus, for an average-sized, 2 m (6.5 ft) shortfin, its theoretical maximum speed might be something on the order of 72 km/h (45 mph). Yet some estimates of the top-speed of a shortfin mako are considerably higher.
The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird, and the fastest member of the animal kingdom. While not the fastest bird at level (horizontal) flight, its great speed is achieved in its hunting dive (vertical flight), the stoop, wherein it soars to a great height, then dives steeply at speeds of over 200 mph (320 km/h).
In full stoop, a golden eagle can reach spectacular speeds of up to 240 to 320 km/h (150 to 200 mph) when diving after prey. Although less agile and maneuverable, the golden eagle is apparently quite the equal and possibly even the superior of the peregrine falcon's stooping and gliding speed.
The ostrich is the fastest bird on land, as well as the fastest running animal on two legs.[51][52]
The highest reliably measured running speed for ostriches is 61 km/h (38 mph), obtained by speedometer reading when a car was chasing an ostrich in a straight line chase to force it to move as fast as it could.[53] Although there are reports of speeds of 72–97 km/h (45–60 mph) for ostriches, none are confirmed.[54]
The cheetah can accelerate from 0 to 96.6 km/h (60.0 mph) in under three seconds,[58] though endurance is limited: most cheetahs run for only 60 seconds at a time.[19] When sprinting, cheetahs spend more time in the air than on the ground.[59] See Sarah, the fastest cheetah.
A widely quoted top speed figure of 71 mph (114 km/h) has been discredited due to lax and questionable methodology.[60] The highest speed reliably and rigorously measured in cheetahs in a straight line is 29 m/s (104 km/h), as an average of 3 runs over a 201.2-meter (220 yards) course (starting from start line already running).[61][62]
Top speed data is result of dividing distance by time spent.
The pronghorn (American antelope) is the fastest animal over long distances; it can run at 56 km/h (35 mph) for 6 km (3.7 mi), 67 km/h (42 mph) for 1.6 km (0.99 mi), and 88.5 km/h (55.0 mph) for 0.8 km (0.50 mi).[19] Its top speed is estimated at up to 96–98 km/h (60–61 mph) an "alleged top speed of 60 mph (96.6 km/h)" (emphasis added),[28] and 98 km/h (61 mph)[29][30]
Pronghorns can reach a top speed of 60 mph (97 km/h) in good conditions, and a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) normally.[60] They can reach speeds of 72 km/h (45 mph) in a 2–3 km course.[63] Estimated by observing the odometer when the animal ran at its maximum speed, alongside a vehicle.[60][63]
Thomson's gazelles, being long-distance runners, can escape cheetahs by sheer endurance.[69] Their speed is partially due to their "stotting", or bounding leaps.[68]
Estimated by observing the odometer when an animal ran at its maximum speed, alongside a vehicle on a road.[66]
The wildebeest, an antelope, exists as two species: the blue wildebeest and the black wildebeest. Both are extremely fast runners, which allows them to flee from predators.[35] They are better at maintaining endurance for long distances than at sprinting.[34]
Estimated by observing the odometer when an animal ran at its maximum speed, alongside a vehicle on a road.[66]
The blackbuck antelope can sustain speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph) for over 1.5 km (0.93 mi) at a time.[70] Each of its strides (i.e., the distance between its hoofprints) is 5.8–6.7 m (19–22 ft).[31]
Hares can reach maximum speeds of 35 mph (56 km/h)[72] in short distances of approximately 90 meters, and a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) for about 20 meters.[73]
The jackrabbit's strong hind legs allow it to leap 3 m (9.8 ft) in one bound; some can even reach 6 m (20 ft).[82] Jackrabbits use a combination of leaps and zig-zags to outrun predators.[75]
When hunting, African wild dogs can sprint at 66 km/h (41 mph) in bursts, and they can maintain speeds of 56–60 km/h (35–37 mph) for up to 4.8 km (3 mi).[86][87] Their targeted prey rarely escapes.[84]
The comfortable hopping speed for a kangaroo is about 21–26 km/h (13–16 mph), but speeds of up to 71 km/h (44 mph) can be attained over short distances, while it can sustain a speed of 40 km/h (25 mph) for nearly 2 km (1.2 mi).[89] The faster a kangaroo hops, the less energy it consumes (up to its cruising speed).[88]
Coyotes can easily reach 48 km/h (30 mph), and can sprint at 65 km/h (40 mph) when hunting.[99] Even without a front foot, a coyote can still run at around 32 km/h (20 mph).[98]
Common dolphins are the fastest marine mammals. When reaching their top speed, they take very short breaths. As an example, fin whales, which are much larger, can empty and refill their lungs in 2 seconds
Tigers live in jungles, and have been recorded going anywhere from 30 mph (48 km/h) to 40 mph (64 km/h); much like the cheetah and lion, however, they only maintain this for a short burst.
The hyena can run up to 60 km/h (37 mph); some attribute this performance specifically to the spotted hyena.[106] They use their speed to chase their prey, sometimes traveling 15 mi (24 km) in a single chase.
Although it has been said anecdotally that grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) can run at 56 km/h, the maximum speed reliably recorded at Yellowstone is 48 km/h.[107][108] It has been speculated that American black bears (Ursus americanus) can run at the same speed.[108]
Usain Bolt holds the 100 metre world record at 9.58 seconds. His absolute fastest speed during that sprint was 12.29 m/s (44.2 km/h; 27.5 mph) at 67.90 metres. The average speed of this race, including the brief reaction time immediately after the commencement of the race, was 10.44 m/s (37.6 km/h; 23.4 mph).[109]
At distances greater than 400 metres, the human body requires oxygen to sustain such paces, and speed significantly tapers at this point. The mile run world record is held by Hicham El Guerrouj with a time of 3:43.13, corresponding to 26.25 km/h (16.31 mph). The marathon world record is held by Kelvin Kiptum with a time of 2:00:35, corresponding to 20.99 km/h (13.04 mph). The world record for longest distance run continuously is held by Dean Karnazes, who ran 563 km (350 miles) in 80 hours 44 minutes without stopping.
In the absence of significant external factors, non-athletic humans tend to walk at about 1.4 m/s (5.0 km/h; 3.1 mph) and run at about 5.1 m/s (18 km/h; 11 mph).[110][111][112] Although humans are capable of walking at speeds from nearly 0 m/s to upwards of 2.5 m/s (9.0 km/h; 5.6 mph) and running one mile (1.6 kilometers) in anywhere between 4–15 minutes, humans typically choose to use only a small range within these speeds.[113]
^Different sources cite different speeds; estimates include 96–120 km/h (60–75 mph),[19] 98 km/h (61 mph),[20] 100 km/h (62 mph),[21] 104 km/h (65 mph),[22] and 104.4 km/h (64.9 mph).[23][24] There is a tendency to overestimate the speed of fast animals, and claims of the cheetah running 114 km/h (71 mph) or faster have been discredited.[19][24]
^Estimates include "over 53 miles (86 kilometers) per hour",[27] 88.5 km/h (55.0 mph),[19][22] an "alleged top speed of 60 miles an hour [96.6 km/h]" (emphasis added),[28] 98 km/h (61 mph),[29] and "a top speed of about 100 km/h [62 mph]" (emphasis added).[30]
^Estimates include 70 km/h (43 mph) (specifically the black wildebeest),[33] "approximately 80 km/h or 50 mph",[34] and "over 50 miles per hour [80.5 km/h]" (specifically the blue wildebeest).[35]
^Different sources cite different speeds; estimates include 96–120 km/h (60–75 mph),[19] 98 km/h (61 mph),[20] 100 km/h (62 mph),[21] 104 km/h (65 mph),[22] and 104.4 km/h (64.9 mph).[23][24] There is a tendency to overestimate the speed of fast animals, and claims of the cheetah running 114 km/h (71 mph) or faster have been discredited.[19][24]
^Estimates include 64 km/h (40 mph)[68] and 70 km/h (43 mph).[69]
^Estimates include 70 km/h (43 mph) (specifically the black wildebeest),[33] "approximately 80 km/h or 50 mph",[34] and "over 50 miles per hour [80.5 km/h]" (specifically the blue wildebeest).[35]
^Estimates include 66 km/h (41 mph)[83] and 71 km/h (44 mph)[84][85]
^Estimates include "more than 30 miles per hour (48 kilometers per hour)"[88] and 71 km/h (44 mph).[89]
^Estimates include 67 km/h (42 mph),[90] 68.4 km/h (42.5 mph),[91] and 69 km/h (43 mph).[22]
^Estimates include 64 km/h (40 mph),[92]: 169 69 km/h (43 mph) (specifically for the kulan subspecies),[93] and 70 km/h (43 mph) (specifically for the Persian subspecies).[94]
^ abMerritt, Thomas M. (31 July 1999). "Chapter 39: Fastest Runner". Book of Insect Records. University of Florida. Archived from the original on 10 November 2013. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
^ ab"Speed sensation". Nature Video Collections. BBC Nature. Archived from the original on 6 December 2014. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
^ abcdSharp, N. C. C. (1 March 1997). "Timed running speed of a cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)". Journal of Zoology. 241 (3): 493–494. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.1997.tb04840.x.
^ abNowak, Rachel (1 December 1992). "The Pronghorn's Prowess". Discover Magazine. Kalmbach Publishing Co. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
^ abKrejci, Kandace; Dewey, Tanya. "Antilocarpa americana: pronghorn". Animal Diversity Web. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
^ abMcKean, Tom; Ben Walker (September 1974). "Comparison of selected cardiopulmonary parameters between the pronghorn and the goat". Respiration Physiology. 21 (3): 365–370. doi:10.1016/0034-5687(74)90066-8. ISSN0034-5687. PMID4417857.
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^Spawls, Stephen; Howell, Kim; Drewes, Robert; Ashe, James (2017). A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa (2nd ed.). Bloomsbury. pp. 1201–1202. ISBN978-1-4729-3561-8.
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^Chapman, Joseph; Flux, John (1990). Rabbits, Hares and Pikas : Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), Lagomorph Specialist Group. p. 2. ISBN2831700191.
^Virchow, Dallas; Hygnstrom, Scott; Ferraro, Dennis (1 January 2003). "G03-1526 Prevention and Control of Rabbit Damage". Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.
^Vaughan, Terry; Ryan, James; Czaplewski, Nicholas (2011). Mammalogy. Jones & Bartlett Learning. ISBN9780763762995.
^Mares, Michael A.; Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (199). Deserts. University of Oklahoma Press. p. 310. ISBN9780806131467.
^Feldhamer, George A.; Bruce C., Thompson; Chapman, Joseph A., eds. (2003). Wild Mammals of North America: Biology, Management, and Conservation (2nd ed.). The Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 65, 140, 909. ISBN978-0801874161.
^"Whitetailed jackrabbit". Nevada Wildlife: Fact Sheets. Nevada Department of Wildlife. Archived from the original on 17 August 2012. Retrieved 9 January 2013.
^ abcGarland, Theodore (1983). "The relation between maximal running speed and body mass in terrestrial mammals". Journal of Zoology. 199 (2): 157–170. doi:10.1111/J.1469-7998.1983.TB02087.X.
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