Gazelle

A gazelle is a type of antelope that belongs to the genera Gazella, Eudorcas, and Nanger. Renowned for their speed and agility, gazelles can sprint at remarkable velocities. They primarily inhabit African deserts, grasslands, and savannas but can also be found in parts of Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. These animals typically live in herds and feed on easily digestible plants.

Gazelles are relatively small, standing between 60-110 cm tall at the shoulder, and are usually fawn-colored. The taxonomy of gazelles is quite intricate. The genus Gazella, for example, comprises around ten species, although four of these are now extinct. Many of the surviving species are considered threatened.

One of the most well-known species is Thomson's gazelle, native to Africa. It is easily recognizable and exhibits unique behaviors for evading predators. The word "gazelle" derives from Arabic and holds symbolic significance in many African cultures. Gazelles frequently appear in Arabic poetry and literature as symbols of beauty and grace.

The classification of gazelles includes both extinct species, like Gazella borbonica, and living ones, such as Thomson's gazelle and the Mongolian gazelle. Fossils of gazelles have been discovered in Pliocene and Pleistocene deposits across Eurasia and Africa. These animals have been subjects of ancient poetry and symbolism, reflecting their cultural significance in various regions.