1. Brazilian Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) - 100 mph (160 km/h)
Often overlooked in lists of fast animals, the Brazilian free-tailed bat is actually the fastest recorded mammal, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph.
2. Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) - 60-70 mph (97-113 km/h)
Famous for its incredible acceleration and speed, the cheetah is the fastest land mammal, capable of reaching speeds up to 70 mph in short bursts covering distances up to 1,500 ft.
3. Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) - 60 mph (96 km/h)
The common dolphin is the fastest marine mammal, reaching speeds of up to 60 mph.
4. Pronghorn Antelope (Antilocapra americana) - 55 mph (89 km/h)
The pronghorn antelope is the second fastest land animal and can sustain high speeds for longer distances than the cheetah.
5. Springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) - 55 mph (89 km/h)
The Springbok, a medium-sized antelope found in Southern Africa, can reach speeds of up to 55 mph and is known for its distinctive leaping behavior, known as ‘pronking’.
6. Wildebeest (Connochaetes) - 50 mph (80 km/h)
Known for its annual migration in East Africa, the wildebeest can reach speeds of up to 50 mph when running from predators.
7. Lion (Panthera leo) - 50 mph (80 km/h)
The lion, king of the jungle, can reach speeds of up to 50 mph, although only for short bursts.
8. Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) - 50 mph (80 km/h)
Native to the Indian subcontinent, the blackbuck antelope can reach speeds of up to 50 mph.
9. Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) - 47 mph (76 km/h)
The brown hare, found in Europe and Western Asia, can reach speeds of up to 47 mph when evading predators.
10. Greyhound - 45 mph (72 km/h)
The fastest dog breed, greyhounds are bred for speed and can reach up to 45 mph.