The Thomson’s Gazelle
Sometimes referred to as a “tommie”, the Thomson’s gazelle is one of the faster land animals on earth, after the cheetah. The Thomson’s gazelle is just one of approximately 20 known species of gazelles that can be found in Africa. Thomson’s gazelles live in open plains and grasslands in the southern parts of Kenya and northern parts of Tanzania. Read on, wont you?
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Eudorcas thomsonii
Weight: 51 lbs
Length: 2.9 ft
Height: 22–32 in at the shoulder
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) Both the males and females have horns. Males have longer horns than females.
2.) Male and female gazelles live in separate herds. The female herds are often much larger. The males will fight for dominance, breeding rights, and territory by using their horns to topple an opponent.
3.) They are social animals and live in herds of over 200 individuals.
4.) Lions, leopards, hyenas, hunting dogs, and cheetahs (to name a few) all prey on Thomson’s gazelles.
5.) The Thomson’s gazelle gets most of their daily water requirements from the plant matter they eat.
But wait, there’s more on Thomson’s gazelle!
6.) While running, the Thomson’s gazelle occasionally leaps in the air with all four feet off the ground. This technique is known as “stotting” or “pronking”.
7.) The gazelles mate twice a year and a single fawn is born during the rainy season.
Did you know…?
These gazelles can run at speeds of up to 60 mph!
8.) Thomson’s gazelles, like all gazelles, are herbivores (eat plant matter). Their diet consists of approximately 90% grasses and 10% seeds and shrubs.
