The speed records of the animal kingdom capture our imagination, offering a glimpse into the specialized evolution of life on Earth. While the fastest land animal is easily identified, the identity of the next fastest often remains overlooked. Determining the true second fastest animal requires moving beyond simple top speed measurements to consider the critical factor of sustained velocity.
Context: The Reigning Speed Champion
The undisputed fastest land animal is the Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), a predator perfectly engineered for rapid acceleration and top-end speed. A Cheetah can achieve speeds between 112 and 120 kilometers per hour (70 to 75 miles per hour) in short, intense bursts.
The animal possesses a highly flexible spine, which acts like a spring to increase the length of its stride. Its long, slender limbs and lightweight frame are complemented by non-retractable claws that provide exceptional traction. The combination of a large heart, oversized lungs, and broad nasal passages allows for the massive oxygen intake necessary to fuel the muscles during a sprint.
The Cheetah’s body is designed to go from zero to over 96 km/h (60 mph) in under three seconds. This explosive speed is achieved through a high concentration of fast-twitch muscle fibers, which are ideal for powerful, short-duration exertion. However, this specialization means the Cheetah can only maintain its top velocity for about 20 to 30 seconds before overheating, making its hunts highly dependent on a quick conclusion.
The True Second Fastest Land Animal
The second fastest land animal, and the fastest in the Western Hemisphere, is the Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana). The Pronghorn’s top speed has been recorded at approximately 88.5 kilometers per hour (55 miles per hour) in a short sprint. This capacity for speed evolved on the open plains of North America, likely as a defense against now-extinct Pleistocene predators.
The Pronghorn’s physical adaptations are centered on maximizing oxygen delivery and endurance for long-distance, high-speed running. The animal has an unusually large trachea, heart, and lung capacity relative to its body size, which facilitates an exceptional rate of oxygen consumption. This allows the Pronghorn to efficiently process oxygen and metabolize waste.
The Pronghorn’s hooves are specialized, featuring large foot pads that provide cushioning and shock absorption during sustained high-speed travel. Its lightweight frame and long, thin legs contribute to an impressive stride length, enabling the animal to cover ground efficiently over vast distances. These characteristics reflect an evolutionary focus on maintaining a fast pace for miles.
Comparing Burst Speed and Sustained Velocity
The distinction between the Cheetah and the Pronghorn highlights the difference between burst speed and sustained velocity. The Cheetah uses an anaerobic running style, relying on its flexible spine and fast-twitch muscles for short, high-intensity sprints. While its absolute maximum speed is higher, its capacity is limited to a few hundred meters, after which it must rest to recover.
In contrast, the Pronghorn is the champion of aerobic endurance, a distance runner that can maintain speeds of 72 to 80 km/h (45 to 50 mph) for several kilometers. It utilizes a highly efficient respiratory system and greater oxygen consumption capacity. This allows it to sustain a fast pace much longer than the Cheetah, which is why the Pronghorn is globally recognized as the second fastest land animal.
The Pronghorn can maintain a pace of approximately 48 km/h (30 mph) for over 32 kilometers (20 miles). While other animals may briefly hit faster speeds, the title of the second fastest land animal is granted to the one that can maintain its velocity over a substantial distance. The Pronghorn’s capability to combine high speed with extreme endurance secures its placement behind the Cheetah.