Despite its limited distribution this is by far Africa’s most abundant gazelle. The ‘tommy’, as it is locally known, has a distinct black band running along the side of the body that divides the yellowish-fawn to reddish-fawn upperparts from the clean white underparts. The white buttocks are edged with black, extending to the short, black tail which is constantly flicking. Both sexes of the Thomson’s gazelle (Eudorcas thomsonii, Say it: you-door-KASS tom-sun-ee) have long, strongly ringed horns that grow fairly close together, although those of the doe are generally shorter, thinner, and frequently deformed. The face is boldly marked with white, fawn, dark brown and black, and varies between individuals.
Diet[]
Thompson's gazelles eat mostly grass and leaves.
Lifespan[]
Thompson's gazelles can live up to 15 years in the wild. Up to 30 years in captivity.
Predators[]
Cheetahs lions hyenas painted dogs leopards and pythons will hunt and kill gazelles.
