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Today we're going to learn about the 10 fastest runners in the animal kingdom. While these
animals are no competition for the five fastest animals on the planet - those records are
held by birds - these ten creatures can still run fast enough to earn a speeding ticket
in many places.
Number 10:
the ostrich.
The only bird to make this countdown, the ostrich gets around by running instead of
flying. The largest and heaviest living bird, ostriches run from predators, but when threatened
will defend themselves with kicks from their powerful legs.
Ostriches may run at speeds of 44 miles or 70 kilometers per hour.
Number 9:
the Jackrabbit.
The jackrabbit is a type of wild hare found in the western parts of North America. Its
strong hind legs allow it to leap up to 20 feet or 6 meters in a single bound! The jackrabbit
uses a combination of zig-zags and leaps to outrun predators.
At top speed, jackrabbits can reach 45 miles or 72 kilometers per hour.
Number 8:
the greyhound.
Greyhounds are the fastest of all dogs, and because of this they have traditionally been
used in hunting and in dog racing. They are sighthounds, which means that they hunt by
keeping their prey in sight instead of by scent and smell, as dogs like bloodhounds do.
Their long, lean bodies and flexible spines allow greyhounds to run at up to 46 miles
or 74 kilometers per hour.
Number 7:
the brown hare.
The Brown hare, also called the cape hare or desert hare is native to Africa, India,
and Arabia. The hare's well-developed legs help it to leap and run very quickly.
Brown Hares can reach speeds of 47 miles or 75 kilometers per hour, but they can only
maintain these speeds for about 20 meters.
Number 6:
blackbuck antelope.
Native to India, blackbuck got their name because the bucks, or males, turn black with
age. Young males and the females have light brown coats, but the older they get, the blacker
the bucks become.
Blackbuck can reach speeds of 50 miles or 80 kilometers per hour, but they can sustain
that speed for only about a mile at a time.
Number 5:
the lion.
The second-largest cats in the world (behind only the tiger in size), lions are also the
second-fastest in their family.
They can run at speeds of up to 50 miles or 80 kilometers per hour, but only in short
bursts before they become exhausted. That is why lions try to sneak close to their prey
before they begin chasing them!
Number 4:
Wildebeest.
Wildebeest are large hooved mammals native to Africa. The wildebeest uses its speed to
run from predators, especially lions - at about 50 miles or 80 kilometers per hour - which,
unfortunately for the wildebeest, is exactly the same speed a lion can reach.
Number 3:
the Pronghorn.
The fastest land animal in the western hemisphere, the pronghorn antelope is built for speed
with specially adapted cushions on their hooves and large lungs to help them take in extra
oxygen. Although they can run, they cannot jump, and so when they run into a rancher's
fence, they have to crawl under it!
Pronghorns can hit top speeds of 55 miles or 88 kilometers per hour, although they cannot
maintain these speeds for more than about half a mile.
Number 2:
the Springbok.
Springbok, a medium-sized species of gazelle native to southwestern Africa, are extremely
fast runners as well as incredible jumpers. They are able to leap up to 13 feet or 4 meters
through the air!
Springbok can run up to 62 miles or 100 kilometers per hour, which is good since they need that
speed to evade lions, whose favorite food they are.
Number 1:
The cheetah.
Famously the fastest animal on land, the cheetah can reach the incredible speed of 75 miles
or 120 kilometers per hour, although it can only maintain this speed for approximately
500 meters. With a lightweight body, small head, and long legs, cheetahs are built for
speed. As it runs, the cheetah's spine recoils like a spring, propelling its legs out and
allowing it to cover up to 25 feet in a single stride. The cheetah's claws, which never fully
retract, act like soccer cleats...providing traction as the cheetah hurtles itself forward.
Its speed is the cheetah's claim to fame, and it's greatest advantage. In a habitat
dominated by bigger predators, speed allows the cheetah to escape confrontation, so that
it can live to hunt another day.
I hope you enjoyed learning about the fastest runners on earth, and stay tuned for more
creature countdowns from FreeSchool!