The second fastest animal on Earth, based on land speed, is the Pronghorn.
The Remarkable Pronghorn: Earth's Second Fastest Runner
While the title of the absolute fastest animal often goes to birds like the Peregrine Falcon in flight, when considering land animals, the Pronghorn holds the impressive position as the second fastest.
Key Facts About the Pronghorn
- Top Speed: 86 kph (kilometers per hour)
- Classification: Although they resemble both antelopes and deer, Pronghorns are actually neither. They belong to their own unique family, Antilocapridae.
- Habitat: Native to the interior of western and central North America.
- Diet: Herbivores, feeding on grasses, forbs, cacti, and shrubs.
- Adaptations for Speed: Pronghorns possess large lungs and hearts, high aerobic capacity, and specialized hooves that aid in sustained high-speed running.
The Pronghorn's incredible speed is primarily an evolutionary adaptation to escape predators, many of which are now extinct but included animals capable of matching or exceeding their speed. This remarkable speed makes them one of the most enduring symbols of the North American plains.
Speed Comparison (Land Animals)
| Rank | Animal | Approximate Top Speed (kph) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cheetah | 93 - 120 |
| 2 | Pronghorn | 86 |
| 3 | Springbok | 88 (often cited as 88, but Cheetah and Pronghorn are generally considered faster) |
| 4 | Wildebeest | 80 |
| 5 | Lion | 80 |
Note: Speeds can vary depending on the source and individual animal.
The Pronghorn's ability to maintain high speeds over long distances also sets it apart, a trait not shared by the Cheetah, which is built for short sprints.
