- Gazelles are characterized as medium-sized antelope species.
- Most species range from about 50 to 100 centimeters (19 to 39 inches) tall at the shoulder and weigh between 15 to 65 kilograms (33 to 143 pounds).
2. Long legs and neck:
- Gazelles have evolved with slender, long legs that enable them to run swiftly and cover long distances efficiently.
- They also possess long, graceful necks that help them browse on leaves and shoots of trees and shrubs.
3. Lyre-shaped horns:
- All gazelles, with the exception of the gerenuk, have horns.
- The horns are characterized by their unique lyre shape, curving backward from the skull and then inward toward each other.
- Typically, only males have horns, although there are a few exceptions where both sexes carry horns.
4. Sand-colored coats:
- Most gazelle species display various shades of beige, tan, or sandy brown fur, which provides them with camouflage in their natural habitats.
- This coloration allows them to blend in with the dry grasslands, deserts, and savannas where they dwell.
5. Specialized dental formula:
- Gazelles have a specialized dental formula, particularly their lower premolars and molars.
- The premolars have developed into incisor-like teeth, while the molars have transformed to be more ridge-like.
- These dental adaptations enable them to efficiently grind and crunch vegetation, extracting the maximum nutrients from their plant-based diet.
6. Group-living behavior:
- Gazelles often form herds, known as "tribes," for protection and social interactions.
- These groups can range in size from a few individuals to several hundred in large species like the Thomson's gazelle.
7. Territoriality and courtship rituals:
- Gazelles tend to be territorial, with dominant males defending their territories against rival competitors.
- Courtship rituals vary between species, but they typically involve males displaying their physical prowess, engaging in sparring matches, and performing certain behaviors to impress receptive females.
8. Speed and agility:
- Gazelles are celebrated for their incredible speed and agility.
- They are capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 to 80 kilometers per hour (37 to 50 miles per hour) to evade predators.
- Their graceful leaps, sudden changes in direction, and zigzag patterns help them outmaneuver pursuers.