The fastest herbivores in the world

When we think of fast animals, predators like cheetahs or hawks usually come to mind. However, many herbivores have developed astonishing speed to escape their predators and survive in harsh environments.

1. The Pronghorn Antelope: America’s Speed ​​King

He pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana), also known as the pronghorn, is the fastest herbivore in the Americas and the second fastest land animal in the world. It can reach speeds of up to 98 km/houtperforming almost any predator in its habitat. Unlike many other animals, the pronghorn is not only fast over short distances, but also has impressive endurance, being able to maintain speeds close to 60 km/h for long periods of time.

Scientists believe this speed evolved in response to prehistoric predators that were much faster than modern ones, such as the ancient American cheetahs that are now extinct.

2. The Wildebeest: Migrations at Full Speed

He wildebeest (Connochaetes), known for its massive migrations in Africa, can reach speeds of up to 80 km/hThese herbivores undertake one of the most spectacular migrations in the world every year, covering thousands of kilometres across the African savannah, facing dangers such as predators and crocodile-infested rivers.

Their great speed and endurance are essential to their survival, as they must constantly be on the move to find fresh pastures and water, while avoiding large predators such as lions and hyenas.

(Photo: Alan D. Wilson/Wikimedia Commons)

3. Thomson’s Gazelle: Elegance and Speed

The Thomson’s gazelle (Eudorcas thomsonii), common in the plains of East Africa, is renowned for its speed and agility. These elegant herbivores can run at speeds of up to 1000 meters. 80-90 km/hallowing them to escape from fast predators such as cheetahs. In addition to their speed, Thomson’s gazelles have a great ability to make sharp turns and jumps, making them even more difficult to catch.

The evolution of their agility is a direct response to the intense predation pressure they face on open plains, where the ability to run fast and change direction quickly is key to survival.

4. The European Hare: Speed ​​on a Small Scale

Although it may seem surprising, the European hare (Lepus europaeus) is one of the fastest herbivores in relation to its size. These small mammals can reach speeds of up to 72 km/hHares are known for their ability to zigzag at high speed, which allows them to confuse their predators.

The combination of speed and maneuverability is essential for hares, as they have many natural enemies, including foxes, eagles and humans.

5. The Zebra: Fast and Tough

The zebra (Equus quagga) is another of the fast herbivores found in the African savannahs. Although not as fast as the pronghorn or gazelle, the zebra can run at speeds of up to 65 km/hTheir speed, combined with their ability to make quick turns, allows them to escape from predators, mainly lions and hyenas.

Additionally, their endurance is key to their survival, as they often rely on the ability to run long distances to escape persistent predators.

6. The Red Kangaroo: Jump and Speed ​​in Australia

He red kangaroo (Macropus rufus), Australia’s largest herbivore, uses hopping as its primary means of locomotion. Despite their unique method of movement, kangaroos can reach speeds of up to 65 km/h over short distances. Their powerful hind leg muscles enable them to cover great distances quickly, helping them to escape from predators such as dingoes.

In addition to its speed, the red kangaroo is extremely energy efficient when jumping, allowing it to move quickly without expending too much energy.

Why Do Herbivores Need To Be Fast?

Speed ​​is a crucial factor in the survival of herbivores. Living in open, exposed areas where shelter is limited, these animals rely on their ability to run quickly and escape predators. Furthermore, speed also allows them to move from one grazing area to another, especially during migrations when competition for resources is intense.

In many cases, the evolution of speed in herbivores has been driven by selective pressure from predators, resulting in an arms race between the ability to hunt and the ability to escape.