This is the world's fastest animal; its speed reaches 350 kilometers per hour.

Several types of animals possess incredibly high speeds, whether it's to chase prey or escape predators.

Below is a list of the world's fastest animals on land, in water, and in the air, according to data from *Live Science*:

1. Peregrine Falcon

The peregrine falcon (*Falco peregrinus*) is the fastest animal ever recorded. This type of falcon can fly at speeds of up to 354 kilometers (km) per hour while hunting prey.

The peregrine falcon's average speed ranges from 64 to 97 km per hour. This falcon has sharp and slender wings, a strong breastbone, and stiff feathers to reduce drag. According to *Live Science*, this falcon can be found on every continent except Antarctica.

2. Golden Eagle

The golden eagle (*Aquila chrysaetos*) is one of the largest birds in North America, with a wingspan exceeding 220 centimeters (cm).

Despite its large size, the golden eagle can fly quickly. It has been recorded flying at almost 322 km per hour. Its habitat is in the northern hemisphere, including North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

3. Brazilian Free-tailed Bat

The Brazilian free-tailed bat (*Tadarida brasiliensis*) can fly up to 160 km per hour. This animal is found not only in Brazil but also in Argentina and Chile, as well as the United States.

4. Cheetah

The cheetah (*Acinonyx jubatus*) is the fastest land animal and can run up to 112 km per hour. A cheetah named Sarah from the Cincinnati Zoo in the United States was recorded sprinting 100 meters in 5.95 seconds, according to *Live Science*.

Cheetahs generally live in northern, eastern, and southern Africa, with a small population in Iran. This large cat has a long, slender body and strong legs to help them chase agile prey.

5. Sailfish

The sailfish (*Istiophorus*) is the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of swimming at speeds of up to 110 km per hour. This fish typically lives in warm ocean waters and is characterized by its bluish-gray pectoral fins, a dorsal fin, and a fairly long snout.

6. Swordfish

The swordfish (*Xiphias gladius*) can swim at speeds of up to 100 km per hour. This fish has a long beak that looks like a sword. Its main dorsal fin is large and crescent-shaped, while the other dorsal fins are smaller.

Swordfish can release oil from pores in their heads to create a lubricating layer that reduces drag and improves swimming efficiency, according to a 2016 study published in the *Journal of Experimental Biology*.

7. Pronghorn

The pronghorn (*Antilocapra americana*) is a North American mammal that can reach running speeds of up to 97 km per hour. This makes it the second fastest land animal after the cheetah.

However, this fast antelope relative is now endangered. Pronghorn in Wyoming, USA, have been reported to migrate up to 483 km in search of food, according to the National Wildlife Federation.

8. Ostrich

The ostrich (*Struthio camelus*) is the largest bird on Earth and the fastest land bird, although it cannot fly. It uses its long, strong legs to run at speeds of up to 70 km per hour for short bursts.

Ostriches can grow up to 2.7 meters tall and can cover a distance of 3-5 meters in a single stride. These giant birds use their speed to avoid danger, including escaping predators like lions.

Ostriches live in semi-arid plains and woodlands in Africa, including countries such as Mauritania, Senegal, Somalia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

9. Dall's Porpoise

Dall's porpoise (*Phocoenoides dalli*) can travel through water at speeds of up to 54 km per hour. While porpoises generally avoid boats, Dall's porpoises are often found seeking out boats to ride the waves. Dall's porpoises generally live in the cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean.