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How Big Is a Gazelle?

For many, their immediate image of a gazelle is a deerlike creature bounding across the African plain. The gazelle is actually one of a species of antelope from the genus Gazella. And gazelles do make their home in Africa, as well as parts of Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Their geographic diversity is reflected in their diverse sizes. Gazelles can range from around 22 inches to 48 inches at the shoulder.

Size
- There are 19 species of gazelle, and size and weight vary between individual species. However, the Thomson gazelle represents a good average for the class of animal on the whole. This type of gazelle measures approximately 20 to 45 inches at the shoulder in height, with females typically being smaller. These gazelles weigh, on average, between 26 and 165 pounds, with younger animals and females being on the lighter end of the scale.
Types of Gazelle
- Gazelles vary slightly in speed and appearance between species. However, in general, they are quite similar. Most gazelles are light brown with black stripes on their sides, a white underbelly, brown-to-black horns, and tails of about 15-20 centimeters in length. One of the most common types of gazelle is the Thomson gazelle --- often known as the "Tommie" --- named after explorer Joseph Thomson. Another common species is Grant's gazelle, which closely resembles the Tommie but is a bit larger. Several species of gazelle are extinct, including the red gazelle, the Arabian gazelle and the Saudi gazelle.
Diet
- Gazelles maintain their size with a healthy diet of grasses, foliage, shoots and herbs. These animals use certain glands to absorb moisture from the food they each, which helps them remain in the open for extended periods of time, even during the hottest weather on the African or Asian plains or grasslands. Gazelles herd with cattle, wildebeests and zebra, who flatten the grasslands or plains as they move, making it easier for the gazelles to reach their food.
Appearance
- Gazelles resemble deer, but are larger and are often distinguished by the large white patch on their tail. This patch extends upward to the back of the animal in some species, such as Grant's gazelle. Some gazelles also have a black stripe on the side of their body --- such as the Thomson gazelle and some Grant's gazelles. These animals also feature small horns measuring between 18 and 32 inches in length. Unlike the branching antlers of a deer, gazelle horns commonly form elongated S shapes and stick up like prongs.

Animals & Science