Animal of the week - Gazelle
Posted at April 16, 2005 10:38 PM by
tom in
Nature
,
Tom
Dama Gazelle
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Dorcas Gazelle
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Grant's Gazelle
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Thompson's Gazelle
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Gazelle are a type of antelope that live in Africa. There are four types of gazelle, Thompson’s, Grant’s, Dama and Dorcas. Thompson’s and Grant’s live on the East African plains whilst Dama and Dorcas live in the Sahara. Gazelles are one of the fastest animals in Africa and can reach speeds of 50 mph, nearly outpacing their main predator, the Cheetah. Dorcas Gazelle are the smallest and Dama Gazelle are the biggest. The different types of Gazelle are easily recognised through their marking on their side. Dorcas and Thompson’s Gazelles have black stripes while Grant’s and Dama don’t. Males have horns that the females don’t and in a herd there are normally around 20% males. Every year Thompson’s Gazelles migrate in large herds to better grazing grounds. Some travel with the wildebeest and zebra in the famous Mara-Serengeti migration whilst some travel at different times. This mainly depends on the area they’re living in and whether migration is necessary. Thompson’s and Grant’s Gazelle are only found in East Africa because the wide, open plains help them spot out predators. Also because Gazelle are primarily grazers and wouldn’t be able to find food in Southern and Western Africa. Dama, Dorcas and Grant’s are all classified as Lower Risk whilst the Thompson’s Gazelle is abundant throughout East Africa and is classified as not threatened.
What beautiful beasts Tom. Did we see any at the Safari Park ? Your pages are looking good.
Posted by Granny at April 16, 2005 11:11 PM
brilliant pictures!
Posted by abbie at January 18, 2006 11:05 AM