What animal now has the speed record, and how fast did it go? Another AnswerPool Trivia thread about animal speed records.

Your question doesn't mention "fastest animal on earth",I don't think that's what you mean.The "Peregrine falcon" still is the fastest.But one answer that could fit here is:Nicole, as the shark is being called, traveled from Africa to Australia and back—a total of 12,400 miles (more than 20,000 kilometers)—in nine months. The feat also set a second record: fastest return migration of any known marine animal.

You are right, it was poorly phrased. You are also right that the Peregrine falcon still has the absolute speed record, that is to say the record for having the greatest mph speed regardless of timeframe, using only natural power.* But what is that speed?


*This last phrase lets out any animals used in testing. Ham, Laika, and other "space aminals" were travelling using mechanical and chemical means.

I,ve seen all kind of numbers, but according to Guiness records, it is 217mph, diving at an angle of 45 degrees.This was conducted by German scientists.Needless to say that this record could be beaten by a similar experience with a similar bird.

Ps: when you get on the Guinnes web site , on the left in the search box, type "peregrine falcon".

"The birds also chased lures. Sullivan said they can do up to 200 stoops (dives). Ken has done studies of the falcon's speed. A National Geographic Special which aired in July 2002 featured his work. According to Suzanne, Ken has clocked "Frightful" diving at speeds of 242 miles per hour." SanJuanIslander.com

I saw films of this bird diving. Because of its feather structure, it is able to go faster than terminal velocity. What was also amazing was the fact that the bird can locate and attack a target at that speed.

Note: The speed was calculated using an altimeter and a barometer.