What Is the Gazelles Diet?

Gazelles eat grass, seeds, and leaves, with some variation depending on species as well as season and habitat. The most common species of gazelles are Grant's gazelle and Thomson's gazelle.

Thomson's Gazelle

Thomson's gazelles are smaller and feed with larger animals like wildebeest and zebras, which graze on taller grasses, allowing better access to short grass for the gazelles. According to the African Wildlife Foundation, these species prefer open grasslands, eating mostly grass in the dry season. This diet also includes seeds and shrubbery.

Grant's Gazelle

Grant's gazelle roam throughout open grasslands and bushy savannas. They eat grasses and shoots, herbs, and shrubs. The gazelle derive moisture from food sources and are less dependent on water sources than Thomson's gazelles.

Range

Grant's gazelle has a wider distribution, while the Thomson's gazelle is common in East Africa. Nicknamed "Tommies," these gazelle are often found on farm and ranchland, feeding on shorter grasses. Grant's gazelles have declined in number because of habitat loss due to human settlement.

References

• African Wildlife Foundation: Thomson's Gazelle
• African Wildlife Foundation: Grant's Gazelle