Description

The Dorcas Gazelle is one of the smallest of the gazelles, standing 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder, with a length of 36 to 48 inches long; it weighs 31 to 37 pounds. It is generally pale colored, with a white underbelly, two reddish-brown stripes on each side, white and reddish-brown stripes on the face, and a dark brown or black tail. Its horns have the most pronounced curve of all gazelles. Males' horns bend sharply backwards and curve upwards at the tips, and average 10 to 15 inches in length; females have thinner and straighter horns that average 6 to 10 inches in length.

Distribution and Habitat

Dorcas gazelles are found in the savannah, desert and semi-desert regions of northern Africa and the Middle East.

Diet

Dorcas gazelles feed primarily on the flowers, leaves and pods of acacia trees, but also forage on the fruits and leaves of other bushy plants. When available, they will also feed on roots and tubers, seeds, grains, nuts, and other plant materials. They tend to forage in large groups, feeding extensively in small areas with high concentrations of plants and then moving on to other areas. As with many other desert-dwelling animals, Dorcas gazelles can easily get all the water they need from the plants they eat and, therefore, can live their entire lives without ever drinking liquid water.

Reproduction

The breeding season extends from September through November, during which time the males guard territories marked with feces and urine. Females give birth to one young (almost never twins) after a gestation period of six months. The young lie concealed away from the mother for two to six weeks, are weaned at three months, and become independent at about one year. Males become sexually active at 18 months, females at nine.

In good climates, each male may have a harem of several females, but this is not always the case.

Dorcas gazelles can live up to 12.5 years in the wild.

Behavior

During the summer months, Dorcas gazelles tend to be most active at dawn and dusk, as well as throughout the night. In cooler months, as well as in milder climates, they may be active all day.

Depending on climate, Dorcas gazelles live in single gender herds of up to 40 individuals, or in mixed gender herds of up to 100. An alarm call that sounds much like a duck's quack is used to alert herd members of danger.

Dorcas gazelles can maintain a running speed of up to 30 miles per hour, and can when necessary hit speeds of up to 60 miles an hour.

Scientific Classification

phylum Chordata
subphylum Vertebrata
class Mammalia
order Artiodactyla
family Bovidae
subfamily Antilopinae
genus & species Gazella dorcas

Questions or comments about this page?