Facts on the Gazelle

Gazelles are small, dainty animals that largely reside in Africa. They prefer open spaces, such as plains, and travel in herds of anywhere from eight to hundreds. Though most populations are thriving, a few desert species are endangered, victims of drought and poaching.

  1. Diet

    • Gazelles are herbivores, and subsist on a diet of shoots, leaves, grass and other scrub. They get most of their water requirement from this food, as they extract water from the grasses. This is helpful in the hot climates that most gazelles deal with.

    Predators

    • Gazelles provide food for many African predators, including wild dogs, lions and cheetahs. Humans also eat gazelle and use the skins for clothing. Despite this position on the food chain, gazelle populations remain strong, with the Thomson's Gazelle and Grant's Gazelle the most common.

    Miscellaneous

    • The Sand Gazelle can get up to 60 miles an hour in bursts of speed.

      Female gazelles carry their young for six months, and then hide them in plains grasses for weeks until they are ready to walk and join the herd.

      Gazelles usually live from 10 to 12 years.

      The Dama Gazelle is the largest type, weighing up to 190 pounds.