Dorcas Gazelle

A small ungulate (hoofed mammal), the Dorcas Gazelle is found throughout the deserts of North Africa, Sinai Peninsula, Palestine and Arabia. Despite its fragile and elegant appearance, it can withstand very harsh environmental conditions.

Its inward-pointing ringed horns are seen in both males and females. This gazelle has a color similar to the sand of its habitat: soft brown on the upper part, and whitish on the abdomen.

Some Dorcas gazelles live in isolation, but most of them live in groups that occupy their own territory.

They mainly feed on hard grasses, succulent plants and acacia leaves. Their diet also includes grasshoppers and grasshopper larvae.

In Africa, mating takes place from August to October, when males in heat make loud noises and mount the female while running. The female separates from the group to give birth to one calf, or occasionally two. Gestation lasts six months. Lactation lasts around two to three months.

The main enemies of this species are lions, cheetahs, leopards and wild dogs. To escape from their predators, they run quickly, and make spectacular jumps..