Gazelle Types
Gazelles are a type of antelope found primarily in Africa and Asia. These medium-sized animals are very fast -- reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour -- and live in large herds. There are 19 species of gazelles, according to National Geographic. Some are quite rare, while others are much more common.
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Thomson's Gazelle
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These showy animals are the most common gazelle in East Africa. Often called "tommies," these gazelles have a distinctive black stripe that runs across each side, as well as a matching black stripe running down the nose. Thomson's gazelles have keen senses that alert them to danger on the open, wide plains they live on. Males mark territories, while groups of females and their babies (which can number up to 50) wander through them. Their diet consists of wild grasses. Thomson's gazelles can live for up to 10 years and count cheetahs, lions, hyenas and leopards among their enemies.
Grant's Gazelle
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Grant's gazelles are much larger than Thomson's gazelles. They are widely distributed all over Africa and are hunted by humans as well as natural predators. Grant's gazelles can live for up to 12 years. They are distinguishable by the white coloration on the rump that extends partially onto the back. The ringed horns of Grant's gazelles can reach 32 inches in length. These gazelles roam in male-led herds and eat grasses, seeds and foliage.
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Dama Gazelle
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Dama gazelles are the largest and rarest type of gazelle in the world. Adults may weigh as much as 165 lbs. and stand over 5 feet tall at the shoulder. These gazelles have pale heads with darker bodies. The patterns on the bodies vary depending on the region. It is estimated that only a few hundred of these animals remain in the wild, and their range is limited to Niger, Chad and Mali, according to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. They eat woody plants, succulents, herbs and trees, sometimes standing on their hind legs to reach the tender leaves.
Cuvier's Gazelle
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These gazelles live in the Atlas mountains of Africa. For that reason, these gazelles are sometimes called "Atlas" gazelles. They are quite rare, with only around 500 left living in the wild, says the Saint Louis Zoo. Cuvier's gazelles have fawn-colored fur and are not as fast as many other types of gazelles, although they are excellent climbers. Cuvier's gazelles can weigh up to 75 lbs. The males and females both have horns that curve slightly.
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References
- Photo Credit thomson's gazelle image by Sean Wallace-Jones from Fotolia.com
