FEROCIOUS ANIMALS
The fastest animals in the world
Establishing primates in the animal world is by no means simple, given the variety of species in terms of size and different ecosystems.
From giant to smaller sizes, from the sea to the land to the skies: many animals make speed their strong point.
Here, in relation to their weight and the ecosystem in which they live, are the ten fastest animals in the world.
Freepik, Wikimedia Commons
Fastest animals in relation to size and habitat
Establishing primates in the animal world is by no means easy, given the variety of species in terms of size and ecosystems. From giant to smaller sizes, from sea to land to sky: many animals make speed their strong point. Here, in relation to their weight and the ecosystem in which they live, are the ten fastest animals in the world.
Siberian tiger
Endemic to the south-east of Siberia, the Siberian tiger can reach up to 90 kilometres per hour when hunting its prey. This tiger is very athletic, considering that it must be able to hunt even in snowy environments.
Dragonfly
Despite being very small, dragonflies are able to exceed 50 kilometres per hour thanks to their extremely fast wingbeats, but when they are in danger they are said to be able to reach up to 100 kilometres per hour.
Ostrich
The ostrich is the fastest land bird of all: on the long run it can maintain a pace of around 55 kilometres per hour, but in short bursts it can even reach 70 kilometres per hour.
Jackiemora01, Wikimedia Commons
Sailfish
The sailfish usually swims at a fairly sustained speed, but when it swims at its best it reaches speeds of around 100 kilometres per hour thanks to its dorsal fin. Moreover, this marlin is also known for its acrobatic jumps out of the water.
Felix Sanchez Villarejo, Flickr
Swordfish
Like the sailfish, the swordfish can also reach 100 kilometres per hour thanks to its aerodynamic shape.
Patrick Doll, Wikimedia Commons
Mako shark
The mako shark when hunting can swim at speeds of up to 125 kilometres per hour. This shark is also known for being able to board fishing vessels, posing a potential risk to humans.
Cheetah
The cheetah is known to be the fastest land animal ever. Its speed record is 115.2 kilometres per hour and dates back to 1959, but new, more sophisticated measuring systems have provided lower figures, with a maximum recorded speed of 93 kilometres per hour. However, cheetahs can only run at these extreme speeds for a few moments and for short distances.
Peregrine falcon
From the land to the sky: the peregrine falcon is indeed a very fast animal, capable of reaching a speed of up to 385 kilometres per hour in a dive. In terms of absolute speed, therefore, this bird of prey is the fastest animal in the world, and thanks to this quality it can easily grab prey within a three-kilometre radius.
Hummingbirds
The hummingbird is famous for being the smallest bird in the world, but another distinguishing feature is its extremely fast wing beat (12 to 80 beats per second). In addition, the hummingbird is an excellent sprinter, capable of reaching 100 kilometres per hour.
Tiger beetle (or cicindela)
It is not the fastest animal ever, but among insects, none is as fast as the tiger beetle. Based on its size and speed, no animal is as quick: the cicindela is able to reach 2.5 metres per second, which, calculated for a human being, would represent approximately 810 kilometres per hour.
Animal Curiosities
21/06/2024
The world is beautiful because it is diverse, is a phrase we have heard a thousand times, and this is true not only for human beings, but also for animals.
On our planet, the variety of fauna is far greater than that of human beings, who are basically almost all the same. On the other hand, in the most remote parts of the Earth, but not only there, there are absolutely unique species of animals, so much so that they even enter Guinness World Record. Birds, fish, mammals, so many characteristics that make them absolutely recognizable, and also very rare.
Animal lovers, keep us company and discover all the most bizarre beasts on the planet.