This list will take you on a journey through the animal kingdom and showcase the incredible speed and agility of some of nature’s most impressive creatures.
With that in mind, here are the 25 Fastest Animals Ranked by Speed
Adult gorillas can reach up to 1.8 meters (5.9 ft) in height and weigh up to 250 kg (550 lbs). Gorillas are not fast runners. They can reach speeds of up to 2o mph (32 km/h) for short bursts. However, they typically move at a steady pace of around 6-7 mph (10-11 km/h) while moving on all fours. They are known for their intelligence and their close genetic relationship to humans. Adult chimpanzees reach up to 1.2-1.7 meters (4-5.5 ft) in height and weigh between 40-60 kg (88-132 lb). They are agile climbers and can move quickly through trees, reaching speeds of up to 34km/h (21 mph) when climbing. However, they typically move at a steady pace of around 15 mph (24 km/h). Elephants are considered threatened species due to habitat loss and poaching for their ivory tusks. Conservation efforts are in place to protect the remaining populations and to prevent the illegal trade of ivory. However, they typically run at a speed of 20-25 mph (32-40 km/h) over longer distances. They are known for their vocalizations, especially during the mating season, when males produce a loud bugling call to attract females. Additionally, their diet consisting of solely bamboos is also noteworthy. Amazingly, pandas can swim. They can climb trees, and even run briefly. Top running speeds can reach up to 25 mph (40 km/h) for short distances. Giant Pandas like to spend most of their time eating, sleeping, and climbing trees. They are large and heavy animals, weighing up to 2,300 kg (5,000 lb) and reaching up to 1.8 meters (5.9 ft) in height. Both species are considered endangered due to habitat loss and poaching for their horns which are highly valued in traditional medicine and as status symbols These impressive animals are found in Australia. They are known for their incredible jumping ability and can cover distances of up to 30 ft (9 m) in a single leap. They can also reach speeds of up to 35 mph (56 km/h) in short bursts. Grey Kangaroos are social animals. They live in groups called mobs or troops. These troops are led by a dominant male, known as the boomer. They can run at speeds of up to 40 mph (64 km/h) for short distances. Blue Wildebeests are known for their annual migration. This spectacular event showcases their cross-country trek for water, and fresh grazing grounds. They move in large herds and it’s considered one of the largest mammal migration in the world. They are fast runners and can reach speeds of up to 35 mph (56 km/h) for short distances. They use their speed primarily to hunt prey, including deer and elk. They also travel long distances in search of food and territory. Today, they are still used in racing competitions and also make great pets because of their gentle and affectionate nature. They are one of the fastest dog breeds, reaching speeds of up to 45 mph (72 km/h) in short bursts. Males can reach up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) in height and weigh up to 320 lbs (145 kg). Ostriches have long, powerful legs and can run at speeds of up to 45 mph (72 km/h) and can maintain this speed for long distances. They are known for their speed and agility and can reach speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h) when running. They are able to maintain these speeds for short distances, making them very fast runners. Some researchers estimate their top speed range from 40-50 mph (64-80 km/h). They are able to maintain these speeds while hunting, making them very fast and agile birds of prey. Their hunting technique is to fly high and spot the prey from a distance. Then, these clever birds dive down and catch the prey with their sharp talons. While they are running they can make sharp turns and sudden stops making them difficult for predators to catch. They are known for their speed and endurance. These majestic animals are fast. They can run at speeds of up to 55 mph (89 km/h) for short distances. And, they can maintain a steady speed of around 30 mph (48 km/h) for longer distances. These abilities make them one of the fastest land animals in North America. They are found in the North Pacific Ocean. Dall’s porpoises’ are known for being fast swimmers and agile. They are commonly seen riding the bow waves of boats and ships. Certain breeds of horses have been recorded reaching speeds of up to 24 meters per second (55 mph) in short bursts. Thoroughbred horses, for example, are known for their speed and are used in racing. The are the result of selective breeding for speed and stamina. It is known for its speed and agility and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 27 meters per second (61 mph) making it one of the fastest running animals on land. The Blackbuck has a slender and graceful body, with long legs that are adapted for fast running. The fish is capable of reaching speeds of up to 30 meters per second (68 mph) making it one of the fastest swimming fish in the world. Sailfish are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, typically in the open ocean. However, they also can be found close to the coast and in bays and estuaries. The fish is capable of reaching speeds of up to 35 meters per second (80 mph) making it one of the fastest swimming fish in the world. The Black marlin is found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, typically in the open ocean. However, it can also can be found close to the coast and in bays and estuaries. Black Marlins grow to be very large. They’re known for their powerful, acrobatic jumps out of the water, when hooked. Needless to say, they are highly valued by sport fisherman. Incredibly, they can reach top speeds of up to 75 mph (120 km/h) in short bursts over distances of up to 1,500 feet (460 m). Cheetahs have a unique body structure that allows them to run at super high speeds. They have a flexible spine, large nostrils, and non-retractable claws that help them maintain traction while running. They are capable of reaching speeds of up to 42 meters per second (95 mph) making it one of the fastest birds in level flight. Frigatebirds are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, near the coast and islands and are known for their long, narrow wings and forked tail which gives them great maneuverability and speed. The White-throated Needletail is capable of reaching speeds of up to 69 meters per second (156 mph) making it one of the fastest birds in the world. They are migratory birds and are found in Australia, New Guinea and nearby islands. While it’s not as fast as the Peregrine Falcon, it is still a very fast bird, capable of reaching speeds of up to 199 mph (320 km/h) during a hunting dive. Like the Peregrine Falcon, the Golden eagle uses a hunting dive, called a stoop, to catch its prey. This incredible speed is achieved during its hunting dive, called a stoop. This takes place when the falcon free-falls towards its prey before pulling out of the dive at the last moment to strike.
