What kind of animal is a gazelle? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. This animal is widespread from Eurasia to Africa, so there is no chance of it going extinct, but some subspecies are in danger of extinction.
What is a gazelle? About basic status
Gazelles belong to the family Bovidae, subfamily Blackbuck, subfamily Blackbuck, subtribe Blackbuck. The body length is 140 – 160 cm and the weight is 40-75 kg. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | ガゼル |
| English（英名） | Gazelle |
| scientific name(学名) | Gazella |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Cetartiodactyla、 Bovidae、Antilopinae 哺乳綱、齧歯目、ウシ科、ブラックバック亜科 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 140–160cm |
| Weight（体重） | 40-75kg |
About classification
Gazelles have the following classifications: It consists of Gazella, Nanger, and Eudorcas.
- Gazella cuvieri エドミガゼル Cuvier’s Gazelle
- Gazella leptoceros リムガゼル Rhim Gazelle
- Gazella marica サンドガゼル Goitered Gazelle
- Gazella bennettii チンカラ Chinkara
- Gazella subgutturosa コウジョウセンガゼル Goitered Gazelle
- Gazella gazella マウンテンガゼル Mountain Gazelle
- Gazella spekei スペックガゼル Speke’s Gazelle
- Gazella dorcas ドルカスガゼル Dorcas Gazelle
- Nanger granti グラントガゼル Grant’s Gazelle
- Nanger soemmerringii ゼメリングガゼル Soemmerring’s Gazelle
- Nanger dama ダマガゼル Dama Gazelle
- Eudorcas rufifrons コリンガゼル Red-fronted Gazelle
- Eudorcas thomsonii トムソンガゼル Thomson’s Gazelle
About habitat
Its habitat is distributed in Africa and Eurasia.
- Main Habitat
Gazelles are found across a wide area of Africa and Asia. Their habitats vary slightly depending on the species.
African Continent
They live mainly in savannas (grasslands) and arid zones.
Typical countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, etc.
Middle East and Asia
Arid and semi-desert zones, such as the Gobi Desert.
Typical species: Some species live in the same areas as cheetahs and oryx.
- Habitat Characteristics
Grasslands (Savannas)
Vast plains with abundant grass for food.
Open environments that make it easy to escape predators.
Semi-desert and Arid Zones
Water-scarce, but they survive by eating drought-tolerant plants.
Stamina for long-distance running is important.
- Environmental Key Points
Water is necessary, but some species can survive for several days without water.
They prefer open areas to escape predators (lions, leopards, and cheetahs).
They mainly eat grass and shrubs.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
Gazelles mainly live in savannahs, steppes, and grasslands, and tend to live in groups rather than alone. The body color is reddish brown overall, and the ventral surface is white. They have elongated limbs, small hooves, and often even horns. We are active in the early morning and evening.
- Physical Characteristics
Body Type
Slim and agile.
Long legs allow for excellent jumping and running ability.
Weight and Size
Weight: Approximately 15-75 kg (varies by species)
Body Length: Approximately 90-150 cm
Horns
Both males and females have horns, depending on the species.
The horns are straight or slightly curved and are used for fighting and defense.
Fur Color
Brown to tan body color with a white belly.
Some species have black or white stripes on their flanks and face.
- Personality and Behavior
Very timid and wary.
Excellent eyesight and hearing, they will flee immediately at the slightest movement.
They often travel in groups, working together to protect themselves from predators.
Most species are diurnal, but in arid regions they may be active in the early morning or evening.
- Biology and Abilities
Speed: Some species can run up to 80 km/h over short distances, making them extremely fast escape riders.
Jumping Ability: They can jump 2-3 meters while running at 60 km/h.
Diet: They are primarily herbivores, eating grasses, shrubs, and leaves. They hydrate by eating plants with a high water content.
Reproduction: They usually give birth to one offspring at a time. Due to the large number of natural predators, the offspring are able to stand and run quickly.
What is your personality like?
Gazelles are prey animals, so they are very wary and timid. Therefore, they have a tendency to flee as soon as they sense a crisis.
Gazelle Personality Characteristics
Timid and cautious
Easily targeted by predators (lions, cheetahs, hyenas, etc.), they are extremely cautious.
They instantly flee when they sense noise or movement.
They often seek safety in groups rather than alone.
Sociable and value the group.
They live in small (family) groups or large groups.
They communicate with each other within the group through voices and eye contact, alerting each other to danger.
There is a hierarchy within the group, and males, in particular, sometimes demonstrate their dominance through petty horn fights.
Agile and curious, but cautious.
They may show interest, but will quickly retreat if there is a possibility of danger.
They are agile and adept at jumping and changing direction quickly.
They are enduring.
They are able to survive in arid regions where water and food are scarce.
They are also intelligent and adapt to their environment, such as obtaining moisture from grass and shrubs.
What is the ecology like?
Gazelles mainly eat grass. The reproductive form is viviparous. The gestation period is 5 to 6 months, and childbirth occurs twice a year, in January-February and July. They reach sexual maturity in one year. The lifespan is about 10 to 12 years.
- Living Environment
They primarily live in the savannas and arid regions of Africa, as well as in some semi-desert areas of Asia.
They prefer areas rich in grasses and shrubs, and open plains where it is easy to escape predators.
They require water, but some species can survive for several days without water by consuming moisture from plants.
- Herd Structure
They often travel in groups (small to medium-sized groups of around 10-50 individuals).
Benefits of a Herd
Warning from predators
Ensuring the safety of young gazelles
Improved efficiency in searching for food and water
Males within the herd sometimes have territories and may engage in light horn fighting.
- Behavior Patterns
They are mostly diurnal, but in arid regions, they are active in the early morning and evening to avoid overheating.
They primarily feed on the move through “grazing” (grazing behavior).
If they spot a predator, the entire herd will suddenly accelerate and run in a zigzag pattern to escape.
- Diet
They are herbivorous, eating grasses, leaves, and shrub shoots.
In low-water environments, they hydrate by eating water-rich plants.
During times of food scarcity, they also eat leaves from taller trees and drought-tolerant plants.
- Reproduction and Rearing
Breeding seasons vary by species, but most coincide with the rainy season.
Gazelle births generally involve one calf. In rare cases, twins may occur.
Baby gazelles are able to quickly stand and escape predators.
Mothers often raise their calves hidden within the herd.
Are there any natural enemies?
Natural enemies of gazelles include lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Cheetahs can run at speeds of up to 100 km/h, so they are unlikely to escape.
About Baby Gazelle
This section provides detailed information about baby gazelles (juvenile gazelles).
- Appearance/Characteristics
They weigh approximately 2-5 kg at birth (varies by species).
They are approximately 50-60 cm long.
Their coat color is similar to that of adults, but is often a lighter brown or whitish color.
They have almost no horns at birth, but these gradually grow as they grow.
- Movement
They can stand and walk immediately after birth (to escape predators).
They grow large enough to follow their mother within a few hours of birth.
They begin eating grass immediately after birth, but require several weeks of nutrition from their mother’s milk.
- Defense/Hiding
Mothers have the habit of hiding their baby gazelles to protect them from predators.
They often stay motionless in the shade of grass or shrubs, avoiding danger by remaining motionless and not exuding any scent.
When in a herd, nearby adults will keep a watchful eye to ensure their safety.
- Growth and Weaning
They begin eating grass at 1-2 weeks of age, but are completely weaned from their mother’s milk at approximately 1-3 months.
They are agile from birth, capable of small jumps and runs within a few days of birth.
Growth rate varies depending on the species and environment, but they reach nearly adult size by 6-12 months.
- Relationship with the Herd
Cubs are not central to the herd, but are protected by their mother’s side or on the periphery.
They also begin to learn social skills within the herd, and will eventually learn to protect the herd.
Are gazelles an endangered species?
Gazelles are not likely to go extinct because their habitat is very populated. However, this is not the case with subspecies. Unfortunately, many subspecies are designated as endangered species, and international trade is severely restricted as they are listed in the Washington Convention.
- Overall Status of Gazelle
There are approximately 20 or more species of gazelles in the world.
While many species remain relatively stable, others are declining due to habitat destruction and hunting.
- IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Classification Example
Stable/Low-Risk Species
Thomson’s gazelle: Relatively large population, currently classified as “Least Concern”
Species close to endangered
Addax (Northern African Desert): “Critically Endangered”
Sun Gazelle (a type of small gazelle found in desert regions): Population numbers are rapidly declining
Other
Some species are affected by hunting and agricultural development in the same areas as cheetahs and lions, making their populations unstable in some areas.
- Causes of Endangerment
Habitat Destruction
Development of savannas and grasslands, agricultural land development, road construction, etc.
Poaching and Hunting
Hunting for meat and horns
Impact of natural predators and competitors
Food competition with livestock and grazing cattle and sheep
Can gazelles be kept as pets?
Gazelles are designated as an endangered species, and it would be difficult for ordinary people to easily keep them. We recommend viewing it at a zoo.
- Legal Issues
In many countries and regions, it is illegal to keep gazelles as wild animals without special permission.
Even in Japan, gazelles designated as “special species” require a pet license, making them difficult to keep as pets.
Endangered and protected gazelles are subject to even stricter regulations.
- Ecological and Behavioral Issues
Highly sensitive and timid
Keeping gazelles as pets can be stressful and difficult.
Large exercise space required
In their natural habitat, gazelles roam freely across the savanna, so small cages can cause stress and illness.
Primary social animals
Keeping them alone can lead to mental instability and health problems.
- Requirements for Keeping Gazelles
Even if legally possible, the following requirements are required:
A large exercise area (several hundred square meters or more)
Keeping them in groups with other animals of the same species
Expert knowledge of herbivore care (diet and health management)
Veterinarian support (a veterinarian with expertise in wildlife is required)
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