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10 Of The World's Fastest Animals
The bird, owned by aviator and falconer Ken Franklin of Friday Harbor, Washington, USA, dove from 3 miles (4.8 km) up after being released from a Cessna 172 at 17,000 feet (ft) or 5,182 meters (m) above sea level. "'Frightful,' then a six-year-old, 40.64-centimeter-long (16-inch) bird weighing 997.9 grams (g), or 2.2 pounds (lb), had wings that open to a full 104.14-cm (41-in) span," explains Guinness World Records.
To measure "Frightful's" mid-dive speed, Franklin attached a computer chip from a skydiver's Pro-Track recording altimeter to "Frightful's" tail feathers. Altimeters were also attached to Franklin, a cameraman, and the lure. After the dives, the data from all four devices were compared to derive this daredevil bird's amazing speed.
2. The golden eagle is another speedy bird
The golden eagle is beautiful, fast, and deadly.
Record: Second fastest bird (vertical dive)
Top speed: 180 mph (290 kph)
The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is not only one of the most beautiful living creatures, but it also happens to be the second fastest. Capable of reaching speeds of over 180 mph (290 kph), some have even suggested it could reach speeds of up to 200 mph (320 kph), on par with the peregrine falcon.
The golden eagle is one of the world's largest and most powerful birds of prey. It is widely distributed and has been revered as a sacred messenger and a symbol of imperial power and statehood in cultures worldwide for millennia. It is also thought to have the strongest grip of any raptor (carnivorous medium- to large-sized bird) worldwide.
Their talons can produce 1,200 pounds per square inch (PSI), or 8,274 kilopascals (kPa) of pressure. To put that into perspective, the human jaw is capable of a paultry 600 psi (4,137 kPa) by comparison.
The majestic white-throated needletail in flight.
Record: Fastest bird (horizontal flight)
Top speed: 105 mph (169 kph)
The top two are impressive, but using Earth's gravity for a speed boost could be considered cheating. The white-throated needletail swift (Hirundapus caudacutus), on the other hand, can fly at extreme speeds using pure elbow grease. Reportedly able to reach horizontal flight speeds of 105 mph (169 kph), this might be the fastest creature using purely its own power.
Top 10 Fastest Land Animals: Creatures With Incredible Speed
Wondering what the top 10 fastest land animals are? Speed is one of the critical attributes for animals to survive in the wild. It comes in handy for hunting prey or escaping a predator. Interestingly, creatures have different speeds, and the fast ones have an edge over the slow ones.
Stallions running on a field. Photo: pexels.Com, @pixabay (modified by author)Source: UGC In the wild, survival is for the fittest and for that reason, speed is an important attribute. While numerous creatures can move fast, some are outstanding and have mesmerised people with incredible speeds. Here is a compilation of the top 10 fastest land animals worth recognising.
Top 10 fastest land animals and their speedsSpeed gives most land creatures an edge over their competitors in hunting and defence. Below is the fastest land animals in the world list.
1. Cheetah
A cheetah standing on a rock in a grassland. Photo: pexels.Com, @magdaehlersSource: UGC The cheetah is the fastest animal on land, recording top speeds of up to 70 miles per hour (123 kilometres per hour). What makes it move so fast? It has a light body weight, and its body shape is streamlined, offering minimal resistance to air while running.
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It has a small head, long legs, and a flexible spine for extreme extension. Additionally, it has special pads on its feet for traction and a long tail for balance at top speed. However, the creature can only run for 30 seconds at full speed.
2. Pronghorn Antelope
Pronghorn in the rain in Lamar Valley at Yellowstone National Park, USA. Photo: bgsmithSource: Getty Images The pronghorn antelope is the fastest land animal in North America and the second fastest animal on land worldwide. It has a maximum speed of 60 mph (97 km/h). Even though it comes second to the cheetah, it can run longer. It is believed that the cheetahs and other fast predators forced pronghorns to evolve to have incredible speed.
3. Springbok
Jumping springbok in the wild. Photo: Mark TornambSource: Getty Images The springbok, also called springbuck, is almost similar to a gazelle and is largely found in southern Africa. It can reach speeds of up to 55 mph (89 km/h). Their runs are accompanied by random 3-metre high hops, sharp turns, and twists to evade their predators. Though fast, they can only sustain top speed for a short time.
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4. Quarter Horse
Western Quarter Horses running through Shell River. Photo: Darrell GulinSource: Getty Images The American quarter horse can clock a speed of 55 mph (89 km/h). The animal's name was derived from its ability to outrun other horse breeds in quarter-mile races, making it the fastest horse breed. The horses are muscle-packed and have immense strength, enabling them to attain top speed within a short bust.
5. Wildebeest
The Blue Wildebeest at Nossob River bed in Kgalagadi, South Africa. Photo: Fanie HeymansSource: Getty Images The wildebeest is among the fastest animals and can attain a top speed of up to 50 mph (80 km/h). Besides their speed, they have incredible endurance, which enables them to run fast for a long time. Sustaining long-distance runs is crucial for out-running predators and migration searching for food.
6. Lion
Two lions at Gir National Park, Gujarat, India. Photo: Jaidevsinh RathodSource: Getty Images A lion is the only member of the big five animals in this list, and it can attain a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). However, like the cheetah, it can only manage a top speed for short bursts. Therefore, when hunting, lions must strategise and time their runs to catch prey within short distances.
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7. Blackbuck
Blackbuck at Cholistan Bhawalpur, Pakistan. Photo: Nadeem KhawarSource: Getty Images Blackbuck, also popular as the Indian antelope, is mainly found in India, Pakistan, and Nepal. It features the list of fastest land animals with a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). The antelope has long strides measuring about 21 feet (6.5 metres) and can maintain its maximum speed for approximately 1 mile (1.5 km).
8. Hare
A brown hare running on a grass field. Photo: Chris UpsonSource: Getty Images A hare is probably the smallest fast land animal. It can reach up to 50 mph (80 km/h), and its high speed is a crucial defence mechanism for evading its predators. It boasts long and powerful hind legs, which enable it to thrust itself forward as it swiftly moves and makes sharp twists and turns.
9. Greyhound
Greyhound on a meadow. Photo: Westend61Source: Getty Images The greyhound is a dog breed suitable for coursing, racing, and hunting. This breed has an estimated top speed of 45 mph (72 km/h). Some dogs of this breed can maintain a speed of 35 mph (56 km/h) for 7 miles (11 km). It is sometimes referred to as the champion sprinter of the dogdom.
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10. Kangaroo
A wild kangaroo with a joey in its pouch. Jennifer A. SmithSource: Getty Images Kangaroos are marsupials found in Australia and New Guinea Island. The largest species, the red kangaroo, can attain a maximum speed of 45 mph (72 km/h). It is endowed with long and strong back legs, which help it move fast and endure for a long distance. It also has a muscular tail for movement and balance.
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There are many fast creatures in the world. However, the above list of the top 10 fastest land animals has beasts with incredible speeds. Their speedy movements help them in the wild for hunting and escaping danger.
Legit.Ng recently published the slowest animals in the world. While other animals always seem in a hurry, others seem unbothered by speed and have mastered the art of leisurely movement. They are outstanding due to their slow pace.
Sluggish creatures live in environments suiting their slow pace. Additionally, they have also developed traits that make them less vulnerable to fast animals. Wondering which animal tops the list of the slowest animals? Here is a compilation of the most unhurried creatures that will surprise you.
Source: Legit.Ng
10 Fastest Animals On Earth
10 Fastest Animals On Earth Peregrine FalconThe peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in the world, with speeds of up to 242 miles per hour when diving for prey.
CheetahThe cheetah is the fastest land animal on Earth, with speeds of up to 75 miles per hour.
SailfishThe sailfish is the fastest fish in the world, with speeds of up to 68 miles per hour.
Mexican free-tailed BatThe Mexican free-tailed bat is the fastest mammal on Earth, with speeds of up to 100 miles per hour.
Spur-winged GooseThe spur-winged goose is the fastest waterfowl in the world, with speeds of up to 142 miles per hour.
Brown HareThe brown hare is the fastest rabbit in the world, with speeds of up to 47 miles per hour.
African Wild DogThe African wild dog is the fastest canid in the world, with speeds of up to 37 miles per hour.
Blue WildebeestThe blue wildebeest is the fastest antelope in the world, with speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.
OstrichThe ostrich is the fastest two-legged animal on Earth, with speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.
PronghornThe pronghorn is the fastest land mammal in the Americas, with speeds of up to 55 miles per hour.
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