The fastest land animal is the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Capable of reaching speeds up to 60-70 miles per hour (97-113 kilometers per hour), the cheetah is adapted for short bursts of speed, primarily to catch prey in open grasslands and savannas. With its lightweight body, long legs, and flexible spine, the cheetah can accelerate rapidly, reaching its top speed in mere seconds. However, this incredible speed can only be maintained for a short duration, typically around 20 to 30 seconds, due to the immense energy expenditure involved in such high-speed pursuits.