Gazelle - AZ Animals

G Species Profile Gazelle

Gazella

Born to sprint the open plains iStock.com/gorsh13 Encyclopedia / G Animals / Gazelle Updated May 27, 2024 Index Overview Taxonomy Size Photos Did You Know Conservation Life Cycle Field Notes Humans Relations Species Article

Gazelle Distribution

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Found in 35 countries

🇲🇦 Morocco 🇩🇿 Algeria 🇹🇳 Tunisia 🇱🇾 Libya 🇪🇬 Egypt 🇲🇷 Mauritania 🇲🇱 Mali 🇳🇪 Niger 🇹🇩 Chad 🇸🇩 Sudan 🇪🇷 Eritrea 🇩🇯 Djibouti 🇪🇹 Ethiopia 🇸🇴 Somalia 🇰🇪 Kenya 🇹🇷 Turkey 🇸🇾 Syria 🇱🇧 Lebanon 🇮🇱 Israel 🇯🇴 Jordan 🇮🇶 Iraq 🇮🇷 Iran 🇰🇼 Kuwait 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia 🇧🇭 Bahrain 🇶🇦 Qatar 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates 🇴🇲 Oman 🇾🇪 Yemen 🇹🇲 Turkmenistan 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan 🇦🇫 Afghanistan 🇵🇰 Pakistan 🇮🇳 India Show all 35 locations

Size Comparison

Human 5'8" Gazelle 2 ft 2 in

Gazelle stands at 38% of average human height.

At a Glance

Genus Overview This page covers the Gazelle genus as a group. Stats below are general traits shared across the genus. Also Known As Antelope Diet Herbivore Activity Diurnal+ Lifespan 10 years Weight 50 lbs Status Not Evaluated Did You Know?

Across Gazella, adults span roughly ~0.8-1.3 m body length and ~12-40 kg-small to medium antelopes, depending on species.

Scientific Classification

Genus Overview "Gazelle" is not a single species but represents an entire genus containing multiple species.

Gazelles are small-to-medium antelopes known for speed, agility (stotting/pronking), and life in open habitats. Many species live in Africa and parts of Asia and form important prey for large carnivores.

Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Mammalia Order Artiodactyla Family Bovidae Genus Gazella

Distinguishing Features

• Slender antelope build; long legs adapted for running
• Often tan/sandy coats with contrasting flank stripes or white underparts (species-dependent)
• Both sexes may have ringed, curved horns in many species (varies by species)
• Characteristic bounding/stotting behavior when alarmed
• Gregarious herding behavior, sometimes seasonally migratory

Physical Measurements

Imperial Metric

Males and females differ in size

Height ♂ 2 ft 2 in (1 ft 8 in – 2 ft 11 in) ♀ 2 ft 2 in (1 ft 8 in – 2 ft 7 in) Length ♂ 4 ft 6 in (3 ft 3 in – 5 ft 11 in) ♀ 4 ft 4 in (3 ft 1 in – 5 ft 3 in) Weight ♂ 60 lbs (26 lbs – 99 lbs) ♀ 49 lbs (26 lbs – 77 lbs) Tail Length ♂ 9 in (6 in – 12 in) ♀ 9 in (6 in – 12 in) Top Speed 62 mph Gazelles: 60–100 km/h

Appearance

Primary Colors Tan Brown White Cream Secondary Colors Black Gray Red Skin Type Short, sleek, dense fur covers typical bovid skin; fur may grow longer and thicker in colder, temperate or steppe populations. Gazelles have permanent keratin horns, hard cloven hooves, and scent glands. Distinctive Features

• Measurements (approximate range across the genus Gazella, based on commonly cited species): shoulder height ~50-75 cm; head-body length ~85-120 cm; adult mass ~15-50 kg. Horn length commonly ~20-43 cm in males (species-dependent).
• Lifespan (range across species): typically ~8-12 years in the wild; up to ~15-20 years in captivity (varies by species, predation pressure, and husbandry).
• Fast cursorial antelope build: long, slender distal limbs; lightweight frame; narrow chest; flexible spine; enlarged nasal passages and efficient heat exchange aiding sustained running in open habitats.
• High vigilance/open-habitat adaptations: large laterally placed eyes for wide field of view; frequent scanning; rapid flight initiation; characteristic stotting/pronking is reported in multiple gazelle lineages (expression varies by species and context).
• Coat patterns commonly emphasize disruptive/contrast signals (facial stripes, flank bands, rump patches) that may aid in intraspecific signaling and predator confusion; degree of contrast is variable across the genus.
• Horns: typically lyre-shaped to slightly S-curved; ringed ridges are common. Horn shape and curvature vary considerably by species, and some females may have reduced horns or be hornless depending on species/population.
• Gazella are mainly grazers but also eat forbs and browse. Their diets change with seasons. Many handle dry places and get much water from plants; free-water use varies.
• Social structure (variable): can range from solitary individuals/pairs to small groups and larger herds; males often show territoriality or harem-defending behavior, but the intensity and seasonality of territorial systems differ across species and landscapes.
• Gazelles are key prey in open African and Asian habitats for cheetahs, leopards, lions, wolves, hyenas, and raptors that take young. They escape with fast sprints, zig-zag runs, and group alertness.
• Habitat breadth within the genus: open plains, semi-deserts, steppes, and some rocky/hilly or montane terrain; morphology and coat tone often track substrate and climate (lighter in sandy deserts, darker/richer in more mesic or rugged areas).
• Gazelles as a common-name group include several genera (e.g., Eudorcas, Nanger) with similar traits. The ranges and general statements here apply to genus Gazella, which shows much variation among species.

Sexual Dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism is common but variable across Gazella. Males are often larger and more robust with thicker/longer horns; females are frequently smaller with slimmer horns or none, though in some species both sexes bear horns. Degree of size difference and horn presence/shape can vary by species and even by population.

♂

• Typically heavier/more muscular build (neck/shoulders) than females, especially in breeding season.
• Horns usually longer, thicker, and more strongly ridged; horn curvature often more pronounced (species-dependent).
• Territorial display traits (posture, horn use, scent-marking behavior) often more conspicuous, though this is behavioral rather than a fixed visual trait.

♀

• Often smaller-bodied with a more slender neck and overall lighter frame.
• Horns commonly shorter/thinner or absent depending on species/population; when present, horns are usually less massive.
• In some species/populations, facial/flank markings can be similar to males, making sexing by coat alone unreliable-horns and body proportions are more informative.

Photo Gallery

7 photos

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Did You Know?

Across Gazella, adults span roughly ~0.8-1.3 m body length and ~12-40 kg-small to medium antelopes, depending on species.

Many Gazella can burst to around ~70-80 km/h, using long, springy limbs and a lightweight build to outrun predators.

Pronking/stotting (springing high with stiff legs) is common in several gazelles-often a "don't bother chasing me" signal to predators.

Horns vary widely: in some Gazella both sexes are horned, while in others females may be hornless or have much smaller horns.

Diet is flexible across the genus: some species graze more on grasses, others browse shrubs and forbs-often shifting with season and rainfall.

Lifespan commonly ranges ~8-15 years in the wild across species; well-kept individuals may reach the high-teens in captivity.

Several "gazelles" people know (e.g., some African savanna forms) have been reclassified into related genera (Eudorcas, Nanger), showing how diverse the gazelle group is.

Unique Adaptations

• Cursorial (running) anatomy: elongated lower limbs, light distal leg bones, and flexible spine mechanics support fast acceleration and endurance in open habitats.
• Heat and water economy: nasal turbinates help conserve moisture; many can meet much of their water needs from plants and tolerate arid conditions (degree varies strongly by species).
• Efficient digestion: as bovids, they use a multi-chambered stomach to extract nutrients from tough, dry forage-critical in steppe and desert margins.
• Camouflage and signaling: tan coats with contrasting side stripes and bright rumps can both blend into grasslands and help group cohesion during flight.
• Wide-angle awareness: large eyes set for broad fields of view aid early predator detection; ears and scent also play key roles in open-country vigilance.
• Hoof and gait versatility: firm, narrow hooves and elastic tendons support rapid running on hard ground; some species are notably adept on rocky slopes or dunes.

Interesting Behaviors

• Herding with variation: many Gazella form small to moderate herds that can fuse into larger groups around food or water; some populations are more solitary outside the breeding season.
• Territoriality: males of several species defend territories with dung piles, scent marking, and ritualized displays; in other species, males may be more roaming, especially where resources shift.
• Vigilance networks: gazelles rely on wide fields of view, frequent head-up scanning, and "follow-the-run" group escapes; alarm behavior can differ by habitat openness and predator pressure.
• Pronking/stotting: used variously as an honest signal of fitness, a startle display, or a way to coordinate group flight-frequency varies by species and context.
• Seasonal movements: some Gazella (especially in arid steppe/desert systems) show nomadic or migratory tendencies tracking rains and fresh growth, while others are largely resident.
• Breeding timing varies: in more seasonal climates, births may peak when forage is best; in less seasonal regions, breeding can be more spread out.
• Predator-prey dynamics: they commonly face coursing and ambush predators; escape tactics range from straight-line speed to sudden turns and terrain use, depending on landscape.

Cultural Significance

Gazelles (Gazella species like the dorcas and mountain gazelles) are symbols of grace, speed, and beauty in North Africa and Southwest/Central Asia. They appear in art and Arabic and Persian poetry, and are in conservation talks because hunting, habitat loss, and fences have reduced many populations.

Myths & Legends

Islamic folk tradition tells of a mother gazelle that sought the Prophet Muhammad's help so she could return to nurse her fawns, promising to come back-an oft-retold story about compassion and trust.

In Arabic and Persian poetry, the gazelle (Gazella) is a common image: lovers are compared to its eyes and quick, shy run, making it a sign of longing and unreachable beauty.

The Arabic word ghazāl ("gazelle") is culturally entwined with the genre name ghazal (lyric love poetry), reinforcing the gazelle's role as an emblem of romance and longing in the Persianate world.

Biblical poetry (notably the Song of Songs) repeatedly invokes the gazelle/roe as an image of beauty and swift, graceful movement-an influential cultural association across the Near East.

Ancient Egyptian tomb art frequently depicts gazelles as valued desert-edge game and as offerings, reflecting their long-standing place in human imagination and status display in North Africa.

Conservation Status

NE Not Evaluated (genus-level; IUCN assesses most gazelles at the species level, and statuses within Gazella span from Least Concern to Extinct/Extinct in the Wild depending on the species and region)

Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.

Population Decreasing

Protected Under

• CITES listings apply to multiple Gazella species (Appendix I or II depending on the species); trade and export controls therefore vary across the genus
• National legal protection and hunting regulations vary by range country; some species have full protection while others are subject to regulated harvest or weak enforcement
• Many populations occur within protected areas and reserves across North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Central/South Asia; effectiveness varies widely, and some of the most threatened species persist mainly in small, intensively managed or fenced reserves

Looking for a specific species?

Dorcas gazelle

Gazella dorcas

Among species retained in the genus Gazella, this is one of the most widely known and widely distributed animals commonly called a "gazelle," frequently referenced in general descriptions of gazelles from arid North Africa and adjacent regions.

• Across the genus Gazella, adults are small to medium antelopes, about 12–75 kg and 50–100 cm at the shoulder; smallest are desert-adapted, largest live on steppe and desert edges.
• Lifespan across Gazella varies by species and conditions: commonly ~6-15 years in the wild, with some individuals reaching ~15-20 years in captivity.
• Behavior/ecology across the genus is diverse but patterned: most are vigilant, fast, open-habitat runners; social structure ranges from solitary/territorial pairs to small groups and (in some species/contexts) larger aggregations.
• Feeding strategies span grazing to mixed feeding (graze + browse) depending on habitat and season; many tolerate arid environments via flexible diets and water-saving physiology, but degree of desert specialization varies markedly among species.
• Anti-predator tactics commonly include rapid acceleration, erratic bounding or stotting, and use of open sightlines; predation pressure and primary predators vary regionally (African savannas vs. North African deserts vs. Asian steppes).

You might be looking for:

Thomson's Gazelle

25%

Eudorcas thomsonii

Small, very fast East African gazelle with a bold dark flank stripe; classic Serengeti species.

Grant's Gazelle

20%

Nanger granti

Larger East African gazelle with lyre-shaped horns; often in arid savanna and bushland.

Dorcas Gazelle

18%

Gazella dorcas

Widespread North African/Arabian desert-edge gazelle; pale coat adapted to arid habitats.

Goitered Gazelle

15%

Gazella subgutturosa

Central/West Asian gazelle; males can show a prominent throat swelling in rut.

Dama Gazelle

12%

Nanger dama

Large Sahelian gazelle; critically endangered with very limited remaining range.

Mountain Gazelle

10%

Gazella gazella

Levant/Arabian region; adaptable to hilly and semi-arid habitats.

Life Cycle

Birth 1 calf Lifespan 10 years

Lifespan

In the Wild 5–15 years In Captivity 8–20 years

Reproduction

Mating System Polygyny Social Structure Harem Based Breeding Pattern Seasonal Fertilization Internal Fertilization Birth Type Internal_fertilization

Behavior & Ecology

Social Herd Group: 5 Activity Diurnal, Crepuscular, Cathemeral Diet Herbivore Tender green grasses and forbs (seasonally, high-moisture new growth) Seasonal Migratory 300 km

Temperament

+2 more Show less Highly vigilant and predator-aware Wary/skittish with a strong flight response Gregarious but with flexible grouping (fission-fusion tendencies) depending on season and resources Territorial or dominance-prone adult males during breeding periods (intensity varies by species/population) Bold, conspicuous signaling under threat (e.g., stotting/pronking) that can function as deterrence and coordination

Communication

+3 more Show less snorts and explosive exhalations during alarm or agitation short alarm calls Varies by species/population and context grunts/bleats, especially in close social contact Mother-young and courtship contexts rut-related nasal or harsh calls by males in some species stotting/pronking and bounding displays Anti-predator signal; may also coordinate group flight visual signals: head-high posture, ear orientation, tail flicking, and stance changes scent marking via preorbital glands, urine/feces; territorial marking and individual recognition cues scraping/ground-pawing and latrine/dung-point use in some populations chases and ritualized displays (horn presentation, parallel walks) to establish dominance/territorial boundaries

Habitat

Show all Show less Desert Shrubland Steppe Grassland Savanna Woodland Mountain Cliff/Rocky Outcrop Coastal Agricultural/Farmland Suburban +5 Biomes: Desert Hot Desert Cold Mediterranean Savanna Temperate Grassland Terrain: Plains Plateau Hilly Valley Rocky Sandy Coastal +1 Elevation: Up to 3,000 m

Ecological Role

Primary consumer (mixed grazer-browser) and key prey base in Afro-Asian open and semi-arid ecosystems; influences plant community structure through selective feeding.

Regulation of grass and forb biomass (grazing pressure) Browsing effects on shrub recruitment and twig/leaf turnover Seed dispersal via endozoochory for some fruits/pods and incidental transport on fur Nutrient cycling through dung deposition and soil fertilization Supporting higher trophic levels as an important prey resource for large carnivores and scavengers Creating/maintaining habitat heterogeneity through patchy, selective feeding

Diet Details

Show all Show less Other Foods: Grasses Forbs and herbaceous dicots New shoots and buds Leaves and twigs of shrubs and small trees Legume pods and seeds Flowers Fallen fruit Succulents +2

Human Interaction

Domestication Status

Wild

Danger Level

Low

• Injury from horns, head-butting, or kicking when handled, cornered, or during rut (risk increases in captivity/close contact)
• Zoonotic disease and parasite transmission risks typical of wild/managed ungulates (e.g., bacterial enteric pathogens, ectoparasites), especially with poor biosecurity
• Vehicle-collision risk in range areas (hazard to drivers and animals)
• Captive-management hazards: stress-related injuries to the animal and handlers during capture/restraint; enclosure/fencing injuries

As a Pet

Not Suitable as Pet

Legality: Laws vary by country, but Gazella are usually treated as exotic wildlife and are restricted. Many species need permits and CITES controls. Private pet ownership is often banned; legal keeping is mainly in zoos, conservation centers, or permitted ranches.

Care Level: Expert Only

Purchase Cost: $1,500 - $15,000 Lifetime Cost: $30,000 - $250,000

Economic Value

Uses: Ecotourism and wildlife tourism Regulated hunting/harvest (where legal) Subsistence hunting (often illegal where populations are threatened) Conservation breeding and reintroduction programs Zoological display/education Research and veterinary/wildlife management services Pastoralist/wildlife land-use conflict (economic costs as well as incentives) Products:

• non-consumptive tourism value (viewing/photography)
• meat/bushmeat (where taken)
• hides/leather (where taken)
• trophies/horns (in limited legal frameworks)
• live animals for accredited institutions/conservation herds (highly regulated)

Relationships

Predators 10

Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus Lion Panthera leo Leopard Panthera pardus African wild dog Lycaon pictus Spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta Striped hyena Hyaena hyaena Golden jackal Canis aureus Gray wolf Canis lupus Caracal Caracal caracal Large eagles Aquila

Related Species 12

Dorcas gazelle Gazella dorcas Shared Genus Goitered gazelle Gazella subgutturosa Shared Genus Mountain gazelle Gazella gazella Shared Genus Cuvier's gazelle Gazella cuvieri Shared Genus Slender-horned gazelle Gazella leptoceros Shared Genus Chinkara Gazella bennettii Shared Genus Speke's gazelle Gazella spekei Shared Genus Arabian gazelle Gazella arabica Shared Genus Thomson's gazelle Eudorcas thomsonii Shared Family Grant's gazelle Nanger granti Shared Family Dama gazelle Nanger dama Shared Family Springbok Antidorcas marsupialis Shared Family

Ecological Equivalents 5

Animals that fill a similar ecological role in their ecosystem

Springbok Antidorcas marsupialis Similar open-country, cursorial antelope. Relies on speed, agility, and vigilance; springbok pronking is comparable to gazelle stotting. Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra A grazing and browsing antelope of open plains. It forms groups and relies on rapid flight and sentinel-like vigilance, similar to many gazelles. Saiga antelope Saiga tatarica Steppe and desert-edge ungulate with long-distance movement in parts of its range. Shares arid and semiarid foraging challenges and predation pressure from coursing predators. Pronghorn Antilocapra americana Not a bovid, but converges strongly in ecological niche: an open-habitat, high-speed herbivore shaped by pursuit predation and wide-visibility landscapes. Impala Aepyceros melampus Medium-sized antelope that mixes grazing and browsing and uses rapid, agile escape behavior. Ecologically overlaps with gazelles in savanna-mosaic habitats with similar predator guilds.

Types of Gazelle

11

Explore 11 recognized types of gazelle

Arabian gazelle Gazella arabica Chinkara (Indian gazelle) Gazella bennettii Queen of Sheba's gazelle Gazella bilkis Cuvier's gazelle Gazella cuvieri Dorcas gazelle Gazella dorcas Mountain gazelle Gazella gazella Slender-horned gazelle Gazella leptoceros Arabian sand gazelle Gazella marica Saudi gazelle Gazella saudiya Speke's gazelle Gazella spekei Goitered gazelle Gazella subgutturosa

“The name for a gazelle comes from the Arabic word for a love poem.”

The gazelle is a graceful, intelligent, and alert creature. Though they once were in the thousands in Africa and Asia, this beautiful beast now only has a few hundred left in their family as the result of hunting. At great speeds, it can’t quite outrun predators but the way they jump helps them to get away. Though challenged in number, you can still see just under 500 in the wild today.

4 Incredible Gazelle Facts!

Here are a few fun facts about gazelle animals:

• Gazelles are not fast enough to evade the path of a cheetah, but they are able to outmaneuver them as they run away.
• Males and females have horns, unlike many mammals in the antelope family.
• When a gazelle is nervous, he or she will honk.
• A gazelle can jump 10 feet in the air and can run up to speeds of 60 mph in short bursts.

Scientific name

The scientific name of the gazelle (which is this mammal’s common name) is gazella gazella. It belongs to the Bovidae family of the Mammalia class. This particular type of animal covers 17 different species, which include (but are not limited to) the:

• Thomson’s gazelle: These medium-sized gazelles which live in East Africa are capable of growing to 26 to 165 pounds in weight and 20 to 43 inches at the shoulder. They are capable of reaching speeds of 40 mph and may live in large herds numbering in the hundreds.
• Dama gazelle: Less than 400 members of this species which are commonly found in Chad and Sudan, exist in the wild. These large gazelles are capable of weighing about 88 to 190 pounds and reaching 40 inches at the shoulder.
• Dorcas gazelle: Found in the grasslands, plains, and deserts of Africa and the Middle East, these gazelles are capable of living their entire lives without drinking water. They are capable of measuring 55 – 65 cm at the shoulder and weighing 33–44 pounds.
• Grant’s gazelle: This rather corpulent gazelle which can be found in East Africa has a robust frame and a pale tan upper body coat. It is capable of reaching 35 inches at the shoulder and weighing 180 pounds.
• Speke’s gazelle: Once regarded as a subspecies of the Dorcas gazelle before being recognized as a species in its own right, this bovid is known for its pale coat. It can be found in the Horn of Africa.

The scientific name “gazella gazella” comes from the Arabic word ghazāl, which is from the word for a love poem.

Appearance

Identification of a gazelle is rather easy if you look for the yellowish-brown coat with a white underbelly. As part of the antelope family, they have rather long horns that usually curve. Though other antelope species only have males with horns, the females also have them in this particular animal.

The size varies greatly between the different types of these animals. Ranging from two to 3.6 feet tall, they are quite short in comparison with other antelopes. While much of their reliance to conceal themselves is on speed, they also camouflage with the desert landscape with their brownish coloring. The specific markings in their coat allow the identification of different species.

Evolution

The evolutionary tale of gazelles goes way back to the early Miocene when bovids separated from deer and the ancestors of the giraffe.

These woodland mammals are believed to have been small in size and rather similar to present-day gazelles.

The earliest ancestors of gazelles, blackbucks, dibatags, gerenuks, and springboks, also known as Antilopines appeared on the scene during this same period, and fossils of these herbivores belonging to the middle Miocene have also been found.

By the middle and late Miocene, the family began to further subdivide into different species.

Behavior

Gazelles live within a group called a herd, which can be comprised of as many as 700 other gazelles. However, some herds are much smaller, including 10-30 females with their fawns. Most often, females and males do not live together in the same herd, as males tend to exclusively live in a small group or completely alone. Any herd that is only made of male gazelles in the wild is called a bachelor’s herd. To protect themselves from an onslaught of predators, gazelles are incredibly alert. They constantly look around with their large eyes to see where the next attack may happen.

Habitat

The ideal habitat of this animal is an arid area that doesn’t experience much rainfall, which is why the majority of them can be found in certain parts of Africa and Asia. Their preferred ecosystems are sand dunes, deserts, grasslands, savannahs, and plateaus. They don’t need much space for their small bodies, but they need to live near areas with the leaves and shrubs in their diet, reducing their need for water through seasons that are especially dry.

When the dry seasons settle in, most species of gazelle will migrate with other animals and species in a movement called the Great Migration. Alongside eland, impala, zebras, and wildebeest, these animals make the trek each year in the wild. Unfortunately, about 250,000 animals in the migration do not make it.

Predators and Threats

The gazelle is an herbivore, placing them at the bottom of the food chain with no natural prey. They prefer the grass and shrubbery in their habitat to fill their stomach. Their place as prey is essential to the major predators in their natural habitats, like lions, cheetahs, and other apex predators. The only adjustment that a gazelle makes for their diet is that they migrate where they have access to the most plant life to consume.

What Eats Gazelle?

The answer to this question is long because the gazelle is a major source of nutrients to huge predators, even though the antelope stands less than four feet tall. Some of the main predators of this animal include cheetahs, leopards, crocodiles, jackals, lions, hyenas, and wild dogs. They are sometimes hunted by humans as well, which is one of the main reasons for their dwindling numbers.

What Does the Gazelle Eat?

Gazelles are not hunters. Their entire diet consists of plants that are found in their typical habitat. The only exception in their diet is when a gazelle is a baby (a.k.a. a fawn), during which time it drinks its mother’s milk.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

When the male and the female gazelles are ready to mate, the ritual starts off with the male as he lowers his head and neck, stretching them. He follows closely behind the female, marching and prancing to get her attention. The average pregnancy for a gazelle baby is six months, though the female may give birth to up to two fawns at a time.By the time the baby, which is called a fawn, is 20 minutes old, they can stand and nurse. The average birth weight of a newborn fawn is 10% to 12% of its mother’s weight.

Since they are an easy target for identification by predators, the mother conceals them in areas of tall grass. These babies have to stay with their mothers until they are weaned, which takes about four to five months. Females reach sexual maturity by nine months old while males take 18 months. The average lifespan of a gazelle is 10-15 years old.

Population

Certain species of gazelle are critically endangered. The Dama is one such example, with less than 400 individuals in the wild.The NGO Sahara Conservation Fund has worked to restore the population of the species in Africa through capturing them for reproduction, but numbers still remain low.

Species

• Arabian gazelle
• Arabian sand gazelle
• Chinkara
• Cuvier’s gazelle
• Dama gazelle
• Dorcas gazelle
• Erlanger’s gazelle
• Goitered gazelle
• Grant’s gazelle
• Mongala gazelle
• Mountain gazelle
• Red gazelle
• Red-fronted gazelle
• Rhim gazelle
• Soemmerring’s gazelle
• Speke’s gazelle
• Thompson’s gazelle

View all 261 animals that start with G

Gazelle Pictures

View all of our Gazelle pictures in the gallery.

iStock.com/Martin Mecnarowski

Sources

1. OxfordLanguages / Accessed December 20, 2021
2. Research Maniancs / Accessed December 20, 2021
3. Animals Network / Accessed December 20, 2021
4. ITIS / Accessed December 20, 2021
5. Britannica / Accessed December 20, 2021
6. DKfindout! / Accessed December 20, 2021
7. ultimateungulate.com / Accessed December 20, 2021
8. Squaw Mountain Ranch / Accessed December 20, 2021
9. Sahara Conservation / Accessed December 20, 2021
10. LIVESCIENCE / Accessed December 20, 2021
11. Sciencing / Accessed December 20, 2021

About the Author

Dana Mayor

I love good books and the occasional cartoon. I am also endlessly intrigued with the beauty of nature and find hummingbirds, puppies, and marine wildlife to be the most magical creatures of all. Connect:

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Gazelle FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a gazelle?

A gazelle is part of the antelope family of mammals. They often have curved horns (though certain species like the Thomson’s gazelle and the Addra gazelle do not), paired with yellowish-brown fur along with the majority of their body with the exception of their belly (which is white). It is most often found in Africa and Asia. One of the most well-known facts about gazelles is that they have incredible speed.

How fast can a gazelle run?

On average, gazelles can run at a speed of 60 mph in short bursts. Longer runs typically are at a speed of 30 mph. Gazelle animals must be fast to outrun predators like lions and leopards.

What does a gazelle look like?

Gazelles have long horns, though there are some species with straight horns and others with curved horns. They have a yellowish-brown coat, sometimes separating the white belly with a bold streak of black fur (which is common for the Addra gazelle and the Thomson’s gazelle).

What is a female gazelle called?

A female gazelle is called a cow.

Can gazelles be pets?

While it is possible to keep a gazelle as a pet, it is best to let them live in the wild where they belong. They don’t make good pets as they require a habitat of substantial size to accommodate them. Most areas have deemed their use as a pet to be illegal.

What is a gazelle known for?

The gazelle animal is known for its great speed. As mentioned above, these animals can reach a speed of up to 60 mph, which is their main defense against predators.

Are gazelles smart?

Yes. Gazelles are incredibly smart, adapting to their surroundings with ease.

What are the key differences between antelopes and gazelles?

The key differences between antelopes and gazelles are appearance, stotting, habitat, speed, and lifespan.

What are the differences between an impala and a gazelle?

The main difference between a gazelle and an impala is that gazelles are a group of related antelope, while impalas are antelopes but don’t belong to the large taxonomic group known as gazelles.

Read about the other differences here!

View Gazelle Photos

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