Slender Horned Gazelle
Gazella leptocerus
WILD STATUS
Extinct in the wild.
Extinct in the wild.
DISTRIBUTION
Previously 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.
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.
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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.
HABITAT RANGE
ANIMAL FACT SHEET
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