Thomson's gazelle
There are several species within the gazelle genus that differ in appearance, habitat, and social behavior. One well-known species is the Thomson's gazelle, which is primarily found in Tanzania, Kenya, and Sudan.
Appearance
A special feature of these animals is their fur, which generally consists of three colors. The back and most of the flank of the Thomson's gazelle are reddish-brown to dark brown. Towards the belly, the fur turns completely white, with these two sections separated by a thick, black vertical stripe. The face also has a white coloration that extends from the eyes over the cheeks to the muzzle. This gazelle species, with its 110 centimeters body length and a maximum weight of 30 kilograms, is a relatively small animal species from the order of even-toed ungulates.
Lifestyle
How do Thomson's gazelles live in Africa? In the three parts of East Africa mentioned above, these animals prefer grasslands and flatlands. Here they not only find enough to eat but can also spot predators early enough to flee. To better protect themselves, the animals live in herds of up to 60 individuals. These herds consist mainly of females and their young, led by a sexually mature male. To avoid the heat of the day, the Thomson's gazelle is only active early in the morning and after sunset.
Nutrition
During the day, they spend their time in the shade of trees or bushes, where one herd member always keeps watch. For this, the animals have sharp eyes that can perceive even the smallest movements. When Thomson's gazelles need to flee, they repeatedly jump into the air and quickly change direction, just like related African mammals do. The main diet of the gazelles consists of grasses and herbs, but leaves and young shoots are also frequently eaten to meet their nutritional needs.
