Slender-Horned Gazelle
Gazella leptocerus
WILD STATUS
Endangered.
DISTRIBUTION
Previously occupied lowlands and dunes from Egypt to Mali.
SIZE
Height: 67 cm (2.2’).
Weight: 16-18 kg (35-40 lbs).
HABITAT
Slender-Horn Gazelles lived around sand dunes, stoney plains and dry hills in countries of the Sahara.
REPRODUCTION
Single calf or twins born at the beginning of the rainy season after following a 156-169 day gestation period. Birth weight is 4.4 lbs. In captivity, may calve up to 2 times a year.
DIET
Mainly browse on tender leaves, succulents, herbs and foliage. Will also eat grass.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
- Slender-Horned Gazelles are nomadic and traveled throughout the desert in groups of 4-10 females and young with one male.
- They live in a matriarchal society.
- Crepuscular. Their splayed hooves increase foot surface so they can walk on deep sand for extended periods of time. The lightness of their coat provides perfect camouflage in the sand.
- Slender-Horned Gazelles are one of the most desert-adapted species of gazelle. They rarely need to drink water, getting what they need from dew and plant moisture.
- The reflective white coat and specially designed nasal passage allows for cooling of the blood to prevent over-heating.
- Horns are used mainly for courtship display. They have ritualized “fighting”, usually settled by threats and intimidation rather than injury.
- The main defenses are constant alertness and speed.
- Current worldwide captive populations are descended from 3 individuals. They have come through a very ”narrow genetic bottleneck” remarkably well.
- The major cause of their decline in the wild was hunting for meat and horns.
ANIMAL FACT SHEET
To download the information from this page and also get a full page photo of the Slender-Horned Gazelle click here for a PDF.
Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Home