gaselle

Gazelles are antelopes that belong to the genus Gazella and are found primarily in Africa and Asia. They are known for their slender build, graceful movements, and distinctive horns that are typically curved backward. Gazelles have evolved to thrive in arid environments, developing adaptations that allow them to survive with minimal water.

These herbivorous animals primarily feed on grasses, leaves, and shoots, though they can obtain most of their moisture from the plants they consume. Gazelles are agile runners capable of reaching speeds up to 60 miles per hour to escape predators like cheetahs and lions. They live in herds that vary in size depending on the species and environmental conditions.

There are approximately nineteen species of gazelles, including the Thomson's gazelle, Grant's gazelle, and the critically endangered Arabian gazelle. Their populations are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and competition with livestock for resources. Conservation efforts are in place to protect certain species and their natural habitats. Gazelles play an important ecological role in their environments as both prey and consumers of vegetation.