Cheetah is the fastest animal in the ranking of the fastest land animals in the world, with a speed of 75 mph (121 kph), followed by the pronghorn antelope, springbok, wildebeest, and lion. In this article, we will highlight the top 10 fastest land animals in the world, detailing their top speeds, weights, diets, suitable temperatures, legs used to run, and an interesting fact about each.
Fastest Land Animals in the World
- Cheetah – 75 mph (121 kph)
- Pronghorn Antelope – 55 mph (89 kph)
- Springbok – 55 mph (89 kph)
- Wildebeest – 50 mph (80 kph)
- Lion – 50 mph (80 kph)
- Blackbuck – 50 mph (80 kph)
- American Quarter Horse – 47.5 mph (76.5 kph)
- Brown Hare – 45 mph (72 kph)
- Kangaroo – 44 mph (71 kph)
- Greyhound – 43 mph (69 kph)
1. Cheetah
The cheetah holds the title of the fastest land animal, capable of reaching a top speed of 75 mph (121 kph). They typically weigh between 90–140 lbs (40–65 kg) and have a lifespan of 10–12 years in the wild. Cheetahs are carnivores that primarily hunt small to medium-sized ungulates. They thrive in temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C) and run on all four legs. An interesting fact about cheetahs is their remarkable acceleration, as they can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds.
In the ranking of the Fastest Land Animals in the World, the Cheetah is recognized as the 1st Fastest Land Animal with a top speed of 75 mph (121 kph).
| Top Speed | 75 mph (121 kph) |
|---|---|
| Average Weight | 90–140 lbs (40–65 kg) |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years (in the wild) |
| Diet | Carnivore (small to medium-sized ungulates) |
| Suitable Temperature | 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C) |
| Legs Used to Run | 4 |
| Interesting Fact | The fastest land animal, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds. |
2. Pronghorn Antelope
The pronghorn antelope is renowned for its impressive speed, reaching up to 55 mph (89 kph). They have an average weight of 88–143 lbs (40–65 kg) and can live for 10–15 years. As herbivores, they primarily consume grasses, forbs, and shrubs, thriving in temperatures between 30°F to 75°F (-1°C to 24°C). Like cheetahs, pronghorns also run on four legs. A notable fact is that they can sustain high speeds longer than cheetahs, making them exceptional long-distance runners.
In the ranking of the Fastest Land Animals in the World, the Pronghorn Antelope is recognized as the 2nd Fastest Land Animal with a top speed of 55 mph (89 kph).
| Top Speed | 55 mph (89 kph) |
|---|---|
| Average Weight | 88–143 lbs (40–65 kg) |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Diet | Herbivore (grasses, forbs, shrubs) |
| Suitable Temperature | 30°F to 75°F (-1°C to 24°C) |
| Legs Used to Run | 4 |
| Interesting Fact | Can maintain high speeds longer than cheetahs, making them excellent long-distance runners. |
3. Springbok
Springboks can achieve a top speed of 55 mph (89 kph) and usually weigh between 66–105 lbs (30–48 kg). Their lifespan ranges from 7 to 9 years. These herbivores primarily eat grasses and leaves, thriving in temperatures between 50°F to 90°F (10°C to 32°C). They also run on four legs. One interesting behavior of springboks is “pronking,” a leap into the air to evade predators.
In the ranking of the Fastest Land Animals in the World, the Springbok is recognized as the 3rd Fastest Land Animal with a top speed of 55 mph (89 kph).
| Top Speed | 55 mph (89 kph) |
|---|---|
| Average Weight | 66–105 lbs (30–48 kg) |
| Lifespan | 7–9 years |
| Diet | Herbivore (grasses, leaves) |
| Suitable Temperature | 50°F to 90°F (10°C to 32°C) |
| Legs Used to Run | 4 |
| Interesting Fact | Known for their “pronking” behavior, where they leap high into the air to evade predators. |
4. Wildebeest
Wildebeests can reach speeds of 50 mph (80 kph) and typically weigh between 500–600 lbs (225–272 kg). They can live up to 20 years and are herbivores that primarily feed on grasses. Their suitable temperature range is from 50°F to 95°F (10°C to 35°C), and they also run on four legs. Wildebeests are famous for their annual migration in Africa, where thousands travel long distances in search of food and water.
In the ranking of the Fastest Land Animals in the World, the Wildebeest is recognized as the 4th Fastest Land Animal with a top speed of 50 mph (80 kph).
| Top Speed | 50 mph (80 kph) |
|---|---|
| Average Weight | 500–600 lbs (225–272 kg) |
| Lifespan | 20 years |
| Diet | Herbivore (grasses) |
| Suitable Temperature | 50°F to 95°F (10°C to 35°C) |
| Legs Used to Run | 4 |
| Interesting Fact | Famous for their annual migration in Africa, where thousands travel long distances in search of food and water. |
5. Lion
Lions can sprint at speeds of 50 mph (80 kph) and usually weigh between 330–550 lbs (150–250 kg). They have a lifespan of 10–14 years in the wild and are carnivores that primarily hunt large ungulates, zebras, and wildebeests. Lions thrive in temperatures between 65°F to 90°F (18°C to 32°C) and run on four legs. As social animals, lions live in prides, consisting of related females and their offspring.
In the ranking of the Fastest Land Animals in the World, the Lion is recognized as the 5th Fastest Land Animal with a top speed of 50 mph (80 kph).
| Top Speed | 50 mph (80 kph) |
|---|---|
| Average Weight | 330–550 lbs (150–250 kg) |
| Lifespan | 10–14 years (in the wild) |
| Diet | Carnivore (large ungulates, zebras, wildebeest) |
| Suitable Temperature | 65°F to 90°F (18°C to 32°C) |
| Legs Used to Run | 4 |
| Interesting Fact | Social animals that live in prides, which are family groups consisting of related females and their offspring. |
6. Blackbuck
Blackbucks can reach speeds of 50 mph (80 kph) and typically weigh between 55–88 lbs (25–40 kg). They can live for 10–15 years and are herbivores that eat grasses and herbs. Their suitable temperature range is from 50°F to 90°F (10°C to 32°C), and they run on four legs. A striking feature of male blackbucks is their spiral horns, and they are known for their incredible agility.
In the ranking of the Fastest Land Animals in the World, the Blackbuck is recognized as the 6th Fastest Land Animal with a top speed of 50 mph (80 kph).
| Top Speed | 50 mph (80 kph) |
|---|---|
| Average Weight | 55–88 lbs (25–40 kg) |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Diet | Herbivore (grasses, herbs) |
| Suitable Temperature | 50°F to 90°F (10°C to 32°C) |
| Legs Used to Run | 4 |
| Interesting Fact | Males have striking spiral horns and are known for their incredible agility. |
7. American Quarter Horse
The American Quarter Horse can reach speeds of 47.5 mph (76.5 kph) and weighs between 950–1,200 lbs (431–544 kg). They have a long lifespan of 25–30 years and primarily consume hay, grains, and pasture as herbivores. Their suitable temperature range is 40°F to 80°F (4°C to 27°C), and they also run on four legs. Known for their speed and agility in short distances, they are commonly used in rodeo events.
In the ranking of the Fastest Land Animals in the World, the American Quarter Horse is recognized as the 7th Fastest Land Animal with a top speed of 47.5 mph (76.5 kph).
| Top Speed | 47.5 mph (76.5 kph) |
|---|---|
| Average Weight | 950–1,200 lbs (431–544 kg) |
| Lifespan | 25–30 years |
| Diet | Herbivore (hay, grains, pasture) |
| Suitable Temperature | 40°F to 80°F (4°C to 27°C) |
| Legs Used to Run | 4 |
| Interesting Fact | Known for their speed and agility in short distances, commonly used in rodeo events. |
8. Brown Hare
Brown hares can achieve speeds of 45 mph (72 kph) and weigh between 6.6–11 lbs (3–5 kg). Their lifespan is relatively short, ranging from 2 to 4 years. As herbivores, they primarily eat grasses, clover, and vegetables, thriving in temperatures from 30°F to 75°F (-1°C to 24°C). Brown hares run on four legs. Their long ears help dissipate heat, allowing them to reach high speeds in short bursts.
In the ranking of the Fastest Land Animals in the World, the Brown Hare is recognized as the 8th Fastest Land Animal with a top speed of 45 mph (72 kph).
| Top Speed | 45 mph (72 kph) |
|---|---|
| Average Weight | 6.6–11 lbs (3–5 kg) |
| Lifespan | 2–4 years |
| Diet | Herbivore (grasses, clover, vegetables) |
| Suitable Temperature | 30°F to 75°F (-1°C to 24°C) |
| Legs Used to Run | 4 |
| Interesting Fact | Have long ears that help dissipate heat and are capable of reaching high speeds in short bursts. |
9. Kangaroo
Kangaroos can hop at speeds of 44 mph (71 kph) and typically weigh between 110–200 lbs (50–90 kg). Their lifespan in the wild is 8–12 years, and they are herbivores that primarily consume grasses and leaves. They thrive in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 95°F (10°C to 35°C) and use their two hind legs to hop. Unique among large mammals, kangaroos conserve energy over long distances by hopping.
In the ranking of the Fastest Land Animals in the World, the Kangaroo is recognized as the 9th Fastest Land Animal with a top speed of 44 mph (71 kph).
| Top Speed | 44 mph (71 kph) |
|---|---|
| Average Weight | 110–200 lbs (50–90 kg) |
| Lifespan | 8–12 years (in the wild) |
| Diet | Herbivore (grasses, leaves) |
| Suitable Temperature | 50°F to 95°F (10°C to 35°C) |
| Legs Used to Run | 2 |
| Interesting Fact | Unique among large mammals for their mode of locomotion, hopping, which conserves energy over long distances. |
10. Greyhound
Greyhounds can run at speeds of 43 mph (69 kph) and weigh between 60–88 lbs (27–40 kg). Their lifespan ranges from 10 to 14 years, and they are carnivores that consume commercial dog food and meat. They thrive in temperatures from 50°F to 80°F (10°C to 27°C) and run on four legs. As one of the oldest dog breeds, greyhounds are celebrated for their exceptional speed and sleek bodies designed for racing.
In the ranking of the Fastest Land Animals in the World, the Greyhound is recognized as the 10th Fastest Land Animal with a top speed of 43 mph (69 kph).
| Top Speed | 43 mph (69 kph) |
|---|---|
| Average Weight | 60–88 lbs (27–40 kg) |
| Lifespan | 10–14 years |
| Diet | Carnivore (commercial dog food, meat) |
| Suitable Temperature | 50°F to 80°F (10°C to 27°C) |
| Legs Used to Run | 4 |
| Interesting Fact | One of the oldest dog breeds, known for their exceptional speed and sleek body built for racing. |
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