The fastest cheetah in the world. Top ten fastest animals in the world

The fastest animals in the world: amazing facts

Some representatives of the animal world are capable of developing speeds that people cannot even dream of. For comparison: maximum record person - 37 km/h. The fastest athlete was Jamaican Usain Bolt.

What indicators do graceful and strong animals demonstrate?

The cheetah is the fastest animal in the world. This beast easily accelerates to 110-115 kilometers per hour. Such indicators are related to the necessity of life: the cheetah regularly goes hunting. After the work is done, the animal needs good rest. To prevent other representatives of the animal world from feasting on the remains of the cheetah's prey, it cleverly hides food in a tree.

How can the beast develop stunning speed? These results are associated with anatomical features. The cheetah has a small head and powerful muscles. The approximate body length is 1-1.5 m. The weight of an adult animal is 45-67 kg. Graceful appearance ensures ease of movement.

Ungulates are capable of reaching speeds of up to 88.5 kilometers per hour, but they cannot withstand running at this pace for long. The amazing abilities of animals are associated with anatomical features:

• thick trachea;
• voluminous lungs;
• with a big heart.

Beautiful and graceful pronghorns have a body length of about 1-1.3 m, shoulder height - 0.8-1 m. Body weight adult ranges from 35-60 kg.

The origin of the animal's name is interesting. Males have thick and fork-shaped horns; females do not have forked horns. These ungulates are the only animals whose horny sheaths are shed every year and then gradually grow back.

Cute and attractive animals have an unusual yellow-brown color, graceful body lines, and pretty eyes. Looking at the elegant beast, it’s hard to think that it can accelerate to 87 kilometers per hour! At the same time, the animal cannot boast of too impressive dimensions: the average height at the withers is 65 cm, the average body weight is about 28 kg. Animals prefer to live in a herd.

Thomson's gazelle is a rare animal that can be found exclusively in Tanzania, Kenya, and South Sudan. The name of the species comes from the name of the Scottish explorer who first discovered it.

The king of beasts is Leo!

The maximum running speed of this majestic and elegant animal is 80 kilometers per hour. Interestingly, females, not males, show the greatest activity. It is the female representatives who play the most important role looking for large production: They take on the main task of corralling the victim. At the same time, animals are capable of fast running only over short distances.

It is not for nothing that this strong and agile animal was given the name Quarterhorse. An excellent sprinter constantly takes an active part in races. The maximum speed of the animal is 77 kilometers per hour. Representatives of the breed perform well when running short distances.

The height of the American Quarter is 144-162 cm, color may vary. You can achieve stunning results at the hippodrome special structure body:

• short and wide head;
• muscular croup;
• compact body with a fairly wide chest.

These cute and rather phlegmatic animals seem slow and lazy at first glance, but in dangerous situations they can accelerate up to 75 kilometers per hour! This is why moose rarely become victims of insidious predators.

The most massive representative of the Olenev family boasts great height at the shoulders - approximately 2.4 m! Body weight is also quite impressive: about 570 kilograms. Interestingly, the male’s horns weigh at least 20 kilograms. Thus, moose are not only fast, but also quite hardy animals.

Certainly, we're talking about not about pet and even... not about a representative of the hyena family! Despite the name, dogs are classified as red wolves. Animals easily reach speeds of up to 55 km/h over long distances, but the maximum record for a representative of the species is 70 km/h! At the same time, the hyena dog has a lean and light appearance. Agility is achieved through strong and high limbs. The average body length is 1 meter, weight reaches 18-36 kilograms.

An interesting fact about the hyena dog: despite its small size, the animal is quite voracious. When hungry, a member of the red wolf family easily eats 9 kilograms of meat. At the same time, the animal feels great.

Greyhounds: ideal hunters!

Graceful, smart and attentive - best friend for a person who loves hunting and active pastime. If representatives of other breeds can reach speeds of up to 30-50 km/h, then the maximum record for greyhounds is 67.32 kilometers per hour. This figure was set in 1994 by the greyhound Star Title.

Energetic and athletic animals have a completely non-aggressive character: they get along well with people and adore warmth and affection. Greyhounds find common language with small children.

Coyotes (prairie wolves)

Coyotes are animals that are significantly smaller in size common wolves. However, with a height of about 90 cm, the animals can reach speeds of up to 65 kilometers per hour. The meadow wolf weighs about 32-60 kilograms. Coyotes are true individualists, as they prefer to hunt on their own. Animals unite in packs when emergency or when searching for large prey: reindeer, wapiti.

Prairie wolves have unique features. Scientists say that they have the most highly developed sense organs. Coyotes can see at a distance of about 200 meters, and the time of day does not matter. Thanks to this, animals easily track down prey. One more interesting feature– “vocal data” of the meadow wolf. The voice of a mammal cannot be confused with anything else.

Nature has made sure that small and cute animals can ensure their safety. When running short distances, hares can reach speeds of up to 50-60 kilometers per hour. And this is when average weight 4-6 kg and body length 58-68 cm! Agile and cunning animals are able to lull the vigilance of the most desperate predator. Running away from the enemy, the brown hare runs from side to side, waiting until the pursuer's reserve of strength is completely exhausted.

Another useful ability of the animal is the ability to competently confuse its tracks. If necessary, animals can swim in a pond. The voice of a brown hare can only be heard if it is caught or seriously injured.

Other interesting facts about the fastest animals

It turns out that not only land animals can develop amazing speed! It’s worth showing off your amazing skills:

• To some representatives of the aquatic world.- a sailboat with a powerful dorsal fin can accelerate to 109 kilometers per hour. The dimensions of an ordinary representative of the species are also impressive: length is about 3.5 meters, weight is 100 kilograms.

• Flying animals. The absolute record holder is the peregrine falcon. She is able to reach a speed of 350 kilometers per hour. True, it is possible to achieve such amazing results only in the process of chasing the victim.

Grey-headed albatrosses have the greatest endurance. They can fly at a speed of 130 km/h for about 8 hours.

• Insects. Surprisingly, the American cockroach is considered the fastest “ground” insect. The movement speed reaches about 5.5 km per hour. It should be taken into account that in a second an insect covers a path that is tens of times longer his torso!

What about cats?

Among domestic cats, the record holders are representatives of the Egyptian Mau breed. Short-haired and not too large animals reach speeds of up to 58 kilometers per hour! A dense physique, developed muscles and bones provide the pet with endurance and agility. Pets have perfectly developed hearing, smell, and vision. They love long walks in nature.

The behavior of the representatives of the breed is impressively gentle: the animals are not the first to get into a fight, they try to avoid conflicts. In relations between the sexes, “nepotism” is noted. Males can live with one female for years, helping her care for the cubs.

The best athletes are able to reach speeds of no more than 30-40 km/h. Even an ordinary hare can break this record. Do you know which one maximum speed capable of developing the fastest animals in the world? Some predators and herbivores move with lightning speed, which is comparable only to the acceleration speed of a sports car. After all, their life or food depends on it.

We present to the readers the top 10 fastest animals on the planet.

Brown hare Speed ​​60 km/h

The top ten fastest brown hare opens. This agile rodent accelerates to 60 km/h during an attack by a predator. At the same time, he begins to rush from side to side in order to mislead his pursuer. The agile animal can accelerate up to 75 km/h, but over a short distance - 20 meters. The hare is helped to develop such speed by its powerful and long hind legs, as well as heavy weight, which averages 3 kilograms. This animal has a lot of enemies, so it has to be on guard all the time and run a lot so as not to become someone’s food.

Zebra Speed ​​up to 64 km/h

The zebra is one of the fastest animals in the world. When attacked by a predator, the mammal can reach speeds of up to 64 km/h. Zebras are very hardy. It is this factor that helps them escape from predators. Their peculiarity is that they begin to run from side to side if pursued by a predator, who, meanwhile, loses coordination and cannot catch the smart animal. In times of serious danger, the zebra itself can offend its pursuer by kicking or biting him. These are quite heavy representatives of mammals weighing up to 400 kg. In search of food and water, zebras are able to cover distances of up to 800 kilometers per year.

Kangaroo Speed ​​up to 71 km/h

The eighth fastest animal in the world is. If the mammal senses the approach of danger, then at the most crucial moment it accelerates to 71 km/h. At the same time, it begins to sweat very much, which helps regulate the heat exchange process, and when it stops, the animal begins to breathe quickly - up to 300 breaths per minute. A kangaroo easily covers a distance of 2 kilometers in 80 seconds, which equates to a speed of 40 km/h. IN calm state jumpers cover distances at speeds of up to 26 km/h. It is noteworthy that representatives of the marsupial family can jump up to 3 meters in height and up to 9 meters in length.

wild dogSpeed ​​up to 72 km/h

It is considered the seventh fastest animal in the world. During a hunt, the predator can accelerate to a maximum speed of 72 km/h, but only over a short distance. He can easily cover a longer distance, for example 5 kilometers, at a speed of 60 km/h. Since wild dogs usually act in a herd, the victim has virtually no chance of escaping from hungry animals. Their prey is often wildebeest and zebra, which are also among the fastest living creatures on the planet. Wild dogs are very voracious and can consume up to 15 kg of meat at a time. Their habitat is the Middle East, India and Africa.

Elk Speed ​​up to 73 km/h

In sixth place among the fastest animals is. When attacked by predators, the artiodactyl can reach speeds of up to 73 km/h. And this despite a weight of 700 kg and a height of 2.5 m. Mighty powerful horns weighing up to 40 kilograms have a span of up to 2 meters. Therefore, predators rarely dare to attack such a large herbivore. A special feature of the deer family is that they not only run well, but also swim. Every day moose travel up to 15 km in search of food. The habitat is considered to be Russia and America.

Lion Speed ​​up to 80 km/h

The fifth place of honor is occupied by the majestic king of all animals -. Moreover, the fastest representatives among this species are females. Perhaps because they are the ones who most often have to go out to prey. During a hunt, a heavy animal is capable of a maximum speed of up to 80 km/h, but only for a short distance of 20 meters. As a rule, this is enough to catch prey. These predators are distinguished from all others by the lightning-fast reaction.

Wildebeest Speed ​​up to 90 km/h

The fourth place in the rating goes to wildebeest from Africa. Since they are the main prey of many local predators, the animal had to learn to run as fast as possible and reach speeds of up to 90 km/h. And this despite its heavy weight of 250 kg and height of 1.5 m. In the absence of danger, horned runners accelerate to 40 km/h. A herbivore is dependent on weather conditions. During droughts, they often have to migrate long distances in search of food.

Gazelle Speed ​​up to 105 km/h

The third fastest animal in the world is. The maximum recorded speed of movement of an artiodactyl at a distance of 150 meters is 114 km/h. Average result in motion – 105 km/h. The gazelle is considered one of the hardiest animals, which can move at a fairly high speed for a long time. Her light weight - 30 kg - helps her run with such ease. long legs.

Pronghorn Speed ​​up to 115 km/h

The second fastest animal on earth is rightfully considered the American antelope. The maximum movement speed of the artiodactyl is 115 km/h. The main enemy of the pronghorn is the cheetah. To escape from a predator, he has to move so fast. When the cheetah may already be exhausted, the fleet-footed animal continues to move, thanks to its amazing endurance. These antelopes can accelerate not only while hiding from a predatory hunter, but also just for fun. An amazing feature of these four-legged animals is that they are able to jump over an obstacle two meters high or six meters wide.

Speed ​​up to 120 km/h

It is considered the fastest animal on earth. The maximum speed that a predator can gain when hunting is 120 km/h. It is not surprising that with such lightning speed, the hunter runs out of steam in exactly a minute. But usually this time is enough for him to overtake the victim. Moving with such speed, the main part of the cheetah floats in the air, touching the ground only to push off. The predatory pussy manages to pick up such a running pace in just 3 seconds. So the animal can easily compete with the fastest sports car in terms of acceleration speed. Such fast movement, despite the short time interval, takes a lot of energy and strength from the leopard. It will take him at least half an hour to recover after a run. During this time, while the mammal is resting, leopards or hyenas may well steal its prey.

Some animals can reach amazing speeds. But among them there are the fastest.

Top 10 fastest animals in the world:

1. In first place in the rating is “runner” without competition - cheetah. This animal is unique because it can accelerate to 100-120 kilometers per hour in a matter of seconds, which is the speed of a car! But how does a cheetah do this? His body seems to be created for running, because it is streamlined and elongated, like the body of a sports car. The legs are long and very powerful, the head is small, so it does not create resistance to air flow. In addition, the body weight is relatively small (it is about 50 kilograms), so this representative of the fauna seems to float through the air. And this is what allows him to hunt victims, eat and survive in extreme conditions.
2. Wildebeest. These animals are often attacked by lions, but, fortunately, they run faster than predators, which allows them to survive (although not always). The maximum speed can reach 80-90 kilometers per hour. And this is quite a lot, considering the impressive size and weight of the beast. So, the height is approximately 1.5 meters, and the weight is 200 kilograms. By the way, the wildebeest feeds exclusively on plants, and it is during their absorption that lions begin to hunt them.
3. Pronghorn or pronghorn antelope is often attacked by the fastest animals - cheetahs. And therefore it is simply vital for her to run fast. Such a beast can reach speeds of up to 115 kilometers per hour, but this is not all its achievements. The pronghorn also jumps excellently: two meters in height and 5-6 meters in length. And such opportunities are provided by the structural features of the body. For example, the pronghorn antelope has a large heart and a powerful trachea, which allows for rapid blood circulation and uninterrupted breathing.
4. Gazelle- This is not only a very beautiful and graceful animal, but also one of the fastest in the world. It can accelerate over short distances up to 90-110 kilometers. Moreover, the gazelle is also famous for its endurance, which often helps it evade pursuit by predators. And when running long distances, she can move at a speed of about 50-60 kilometers per hour. And this gazelle is quite easy to handle, because the legs are well developed, and the weight is small - up to 30 kilograms. Such animals usually live in herds.
5. Greyhound dog. Surprisingly, a dog was also included in the list, and deservedly so, because the breed was originally created specifically for hunting, so greater speed - prerequisite. It can reach 90 kilometers, and during short races it is usually within 55-65 km/h. It is worth noting that there are about 20 varieties of the breed, and among them there are especially fast ones. But the fastest and most resilient is, undoubtedly, the Russian greyhound. Her muscles are well developed, her body is perfectly proportioned. But such a dog, with all its capabilities, can become an excellent human friend.
6. Zebra. If some animals can hide from predators by camouflaging themselves in grass or thickets, then the color of a zebra (by the way, it is special for different individuals, although it seems almost the same) gives it away almost immediately. So the only chance of salvation is to run, and quickly. Fortunately, nature has endowed this animal with this feature, and it can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h over short distances. Zebras are also very smart. For example, they live in herds and even build families, which makes them similar to people. And while walking, drinking water, resting or eating food, some individuals play the role of guards and warn others of approaching danger.
7. Horse. The average speed of this beautiful animal with intelligent eyes is approximately 60-65 kilometers per hour. But as people develop new breeds, some qualities improve, including speed. In 2008, a record was set, and then the horse was able to accelerate to 87 kilometers per hour. By the way, such animals are the only representatives of the equine family, which belongs to the order of odd-toed ungulates. They have been domesticated since ancient times, and today the domestic horse is considered a separate subspecies.
8. Brown hare often becomes a victim of predators, so he is forced to constantly live in extreme conditions. But nature itself helps him survive. Firstly, he is very attentive and knows how to hide in case of danger. Secondly, it can reach high speeds, reaching 80 kilometers per hour (the average is 50-60). Thirdly, the hare is resilient; sometimes the reason for its rescue is the fatigue of the pursuer, who simply cannot continue to run. Fourthly, such an animal is cunning: it can run from side to side and confuse the predator, eventually breaking away from it and hiding.
9. Lion- a real king of beasts. And its speed corresponds to this unspoken title: it can reach 80 kilometers per hour, and lionesses run faster, they are also the ones who hunt more often (by the way, this is why they do not have a developed mane, because it would greatly interfere with hunting and camouflage). It is worth noting that the lion is practically the largest “participant” in the rating; its weight can reach 250 kilograms. Lions can hunt in groups, tracking, chasing, and then driving and overtaking the prey. Surprisingly, such animals have the smallest hearts compared to other predators.
10. Coyote- This is an American wolf. Its speed while pursuing victims can reach 60-70 kilometers. This predator feeds mainly small rodents, gophers, hares, ferrets, beavers, and sometimes birds and even insects. In addition, the coyote can dive, swim well, and catch fish and even frogs. And in the fall, the American wolf is content with eating fruits and berries. In general, this animal is completely unpretentious and omnivorous, most likely, this is what helps it survive.

The speed of these animals is impressive, isn't it?

Ecology

The animal world has its own champions.

Find out the answers to the questions about who flies, swims, runs or crawls the fastest in the animal world.

Here you can learn about the fastest representatives of their kind in the animal world.

The fastest bird is the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)

This bird of prey from the falcon family, can be seen on almost all continents, with the exception of Antarctica.

In nature, there are about 17 subspecies of peregrine falcons.

On our planet it is not only the fastest bird, but also the fastest living creature.

According to experts, in a fast diving flight, a peregrine falcon can reach speeds of up to 322 km/h.

But it is worth noting that in horizontal flight the peregrine falcon yields first place to the swift, whose horizontal flight speed can reach 111 km/h.

Fastest horse - English racehorses

On at the moment These purebred riding horses are considered the fastest. If you choose a specific representative, then the fastest one is the purebred stallion Beach Rackit.

He was able to set an absolute record among domestic breeds. During a race in Mexico over a distance of 409.26 meters, Beach reached a top speed of 69.69 km/h. In general, the average speed of English racehorses is 60 km/h.

The fastest fish is the sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus)

This sea ​​fish from the order Perciformes, lives in all oceans of the Earth, preferring tropical, subtropical and temperate waters.

It is worth noting that the sailboat active predator and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h.

During experiments at the Long Key fishing camp, Florida, USA, this fish was able to swim 91 meters in 3 seconds, which is equal to a speed of 109 km/h.

The fastest animal (land animal) is the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

The cheetah is the fastest land animal. It differs from other cats in that it does not hunt prey, sitting in ambush, preferring to pursue it.

First, the cheetah approaches its prey at a distance of about 10 meters, without particularly trying to be secretive, and then tries to catch potential prey in a short race. During the race, he can reach speeds of up to 110-115 km/h, while reaching a speed of 75 km/h in 2 seconds. It is also worth noting that the cheetah runs in jumps of 6-8 meters in length.

The fastest dog is the Greyhound

In general, opinions about which dog is the fastest are divided. Some say that this is an English hunting greyhound that boasts very fast running over short distances, which gives them the ability to catch a hare.

If we talk about the wild dog, then it capable of reaching speeds of up to 55 km/h and chasing its prey to the point of complete exhaustion.

And yet officially, the most high speed among dogs was recorded on March 5, 1994 in Australia, when a greyhound named Star Title was able to accelerate to 67.32 km/h.

The fastest cat is the Egyptian Mau

This short-haired, medium-sized cat breed boasts high-energy cats that love movement and play. Therefore, the Egyptian Mau has a flexible and muscular shape.

In Egyptian, "mau" means "cat". This cat can reach speeds of up to 58 km/h. In addition, Mau have excellent vision, hearing and smell.

The fastest snake is the mamba

The officially recorded speed of this snake is 11.3 km/h, and that's on the ground. In the branches, the mamba is even faster.

In addition, she is one of the most poisonous snakes on Earth, and in Africa there is no other snake that is feared as much as the mamba.

The fastest turtle is the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

Among reptiles, this is the fastest - in water it can reach a speed of 35 km/h.

Such a turtle weighs 450 kg, and its body length can vary from 1.8 to 2.1 meters.

However, in 1988, a male leatherback turtle was found in Harlech, UK, measuring 2.91 meters in length and weighing 961.1 kg.

The fastest insect

In this case, it is worth dividing into speed on the ground and in the air. The fastest insect on earth is the American cockroach. Its speed reaches 5.4 km/h. It is worth noting that in 1 second he is able to run a distance that is 50 times the length of his own body. If compared to a person, this corresponds to a speed of approximately 330 km/h.

The insect that holds the record in the air is the dragonfly, namely Austrophlebia costalis, which can reach speeds of up to 52 km/h in flight. Since they exist different ways speed measurements, experts cannot definitely say who is faster, dividing between dragonflies, hawk moths and horse flies.

People are endowed by nature with an amazing power - intelligence, which allows them to provide themselves with food, water, and warmth. People are even able to go into space and dive into the dark depths of the ocean. At the same time, the person does not have particularly outstanding physical characteristics.

This article will focus on the speed of movement in the animal world. For some animals, high speed is vital, for example to catch prey or escape from a predator. We present a list of the 10 fastest animals in the world.

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They are a small mammal native to Western Europe and Asia. These hares are quite large. They are even larger in size than rabbits and have longer legs and ears. The brown hare can reach speeds of up to 77 km/h.

Powerful hind legs provide brown hare huge acceleration. It is very difficult to catch a hare, because it can instantly change direction and run in a zigzag without losing speed. Running so fast helps brown hares move away from large quantity natural predators.

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- herbivorous mammals native to the South and East Africa. His height is about 130 cm, body weight is about 220 kg. Despite its rather large weight, the animal’s strong legs and shoulders help it reach speeds of up to 80 km/h. Running so fast helps blue wildebeest escape from predators, and also ensures fast and safe migration. These animals usually live in groups. They migrate to wet lands looking for grass during a drought.

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These animals live in North America. are capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h, but the maximum speed record for pronghorn was once recorded - 88.5 km/h.

Unlike many animals on this list, they are natural marathon runners. They are not only capable of running fast, they are so durable that they can run at high speeds over long distances. Big heart, voluminous lungs and a thick trachea help these animals quickly deliver oxygenated blood to cells throughout the body.

If we compare pronghorn with a ram of the same weight, then the heart pronghorn will be 2 times larger than the heart of a ram.

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7. Marlin fish

Marlinidae(or sailfish) fish are among the longest fish in the world. Their length can reach up to 5 meters and weight up to 800 kg. They live in the warm waters of the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean and often migrate over vast distances - up to several thousand kilometers.

Marlinidae fish are very fast swimmers, their speed can reach up to 80 km/h.