Gazelle
Gazella
Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.
Gazelles are slender antelopes, but their habitats and ranges differ by species. This account follows the dorcas gazelle, a small desert-adapted member of the genus Gazella.
Dorcas gazelle (Gazella dorcas), the representative described here, photographed at Marwell.
At a glance
- Location
- The dorcas gazelle, Gazella dorcas, is the representative used here. It inhabits arid parts of North Africa and nearby southwestern Asia, using deserts, semi-deserts, wadis and sparsely vegetated savanna. These details describe this species rather than every gazelle.
- Habitat
- Desert, Savanna
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Food
- Leaves, flowers, pods and other plant foods supply its diet.
Classification
- Common name
- Gazelle
- Browse group
- Mammals
- Scientific name or taxon
- Gazella
- Source classification
- Mammalia
Three things to know
- The dorcas gazelle lives in dry country.
- Both sexes have horns, with smaller horns in females.
- Activity shifts towards dawn and dusk in hot weather.
Habitat and range
The dorcas gazelle, Gazella dorcas, is the representative used here. It inhabits arid parts of North Africa and nearby southwestern Asia, using deserts, semi-deserts, wadis and sparsely vegetated savanna. These details describe this species rather than every gazelle.
Appearance and adaptations
Pale upperparts contrast with a white belly and darker flank markings. Coat colour varies geographically. Both males and females carry ringed horns, although females generally have shorter, less strongly curved horns.
Diet and behaviour
Leaves, flowers, pods and other plant foods supply its diet. Feeding choices change with rainfall and the vegetation available. During hot periods it is most active near dawn and dusk; cooler conditions allow more daytime activity.
Sources
- Animal Diversity Web: Gazella dorcas
- A–Z Animals: Gazelle · Directory entry
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