Gazelles Vs Antelopes, What  is the Main Difference

Gazelles Vs Antelopes: What Differentiates an Antelope from a Gazelle? The antelope, also referred to as the gazelle, is among the most prevalent animals encountered during a Tanzanian safari. Regardless matter whether you embark on a safari in the Serengeti or the Ngorongoro Crater, you will certainly observe several antelopes and gazelles. Seventy-two of the ninety-one species of antelope and gazelle worldwide are located on the African continent.

Antelopes and gazelles are prevalent in the northern Tanzanian safari circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, and Arusha National Park), however distinguishing between the two may prove challenging. What distinguishes the two from each other? In summary, while not all antelopes qualify as gazelles, every gazelle is really an antelope, which may add to your confusion.

The Antelope genus, encompassing gazelles, is part of the Bovidae family, which consists of cloven-hoofed, ruminant mammals. They encompass a diverse array of unique safari species, including the notable waterbuck, wildebeest, and impala. What distinguishes them if both possess a four-chambered stomach and appear to be identical animals? Here is how to differentiate them:

Size: Gazelles are occasionally diminutive compared to other antelope species. The disparity between the diminutive Thompson Gazelle (30 kg) and the colossal Eland (950 kg) exemplifies this phenomenon effectively.

HORNS: Unlike antelopes, the majority of gazelle species and both genders possess horns. Impalas are classified as antelopes rather than gazelles since only the males possess horns.

STOTTING: When an animal gets alarmed by a predator, it ambles gently before leaping vertically into the air. They executed their jump and then commenced running at full velocity to escape the peril. Antelopes do not display this behavior, although gazelles are recognized for doing so.

COLOR: The majority of antelopes exhibit brown and white coloration. Nonetheless, several variants exist, some exhibiting stripes or a white face, that range between light and dark gray. Conversely, gazelles are predominantly tan. Moreover, they possess white regions (often located on the bottom or rump) and a dark body stripe.

The white rump is crucial since it aids gazelles in evading predators. The gazelles in the herd seem to imitate the actions of the individual preceding them when Stotting or fleeing from a predator. The white rump may function as a visual cue for evasive maneuvers. This elucidates why the gazelle will leap simultaneously and in the same location as the one preceding it.

BODY SHAPE: Gazelles possess slender bodies and legs. In comparison to other antelope species, they exhibit an athletic and slender physique. The bodies and heads of numerous other antelopes are large and sturdy. They do not seem to be nimble creatures capable of leaping. Do not delude yourself. Even the sizable antelopes can traverse at a formidable speed.

HABITATS: Antelopes inhabit a wide range of settings, predominantly across Africa, with occurrences extending from Asia to the Middle East. Where conditions are favorable, an antelope is likely to be present. They have intermittently been displaced by individuals because to urbanization and habitat degradation. Gazelles versus Antelopes

Due of their tiny size and inherent wariness of interference, gazelles are rather prevalent. Due to their symbiotic relationship with food, they often inhabit environments with larger antelopes. In contrast to larger antelope, gazelles ingest shorter vegetation. While the Edmi gazelle, or Cuvier’s gazelle, inhabits mountainous regions, the majority of gazelles prefer wide terrains and savannas. It may value the seclusion.

LIST OF THE MOST PREVALENT GAZELLES IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Thomson’s gazelle (Eudorcas thomsonii)

The rapid There is a significant likelihood of encountering Thomson’s gazelle, commonly referred to as “tommie,” during a safari in the savannahs and grasslands of East Africa. Male individuals can weigh as much as 35 kg, while females can reach a weight of 25 kg, and they are capable of achieving speeds of up to 70 km/h. Their coat is sandy-hued with a black lateral stripe. Both sexes possess horns: Gazelles versus Antelopes.

Grant’s gazelle (Nanger granti)

These antelopes are gazelles, as their designation suggests, and they reside in expansive grasslands and shrublands. Males often weigh between 50 and 80 kg, and females range from 35 to 50 kg. Both males and females possess horns. At first look, Grant’s gazelles may appear similar to Thomson’s gazelles; however, they are larger and possess longer horns.

Gerenuk (Litocranius walleri)

The gerenuk is characterized by its exceptionally elongated neck, reminiscent of a giraffe. It can reach a height of up to 105 cm, possesses a little skull, prominent eyes, and a brownish-reddish pelage. Only male gerenuks possess horns. The slender antelope, a species of gazelle, can weigh up to 50 kg in males and 45 kg in females. It can reach a height of up to 105 cm, possesses a relatively small skull, large eyes, and a coat that is brownish-red. Only male gerenuks possess horns. The slender antelope, a species of gazelle, can weigh up to 50 kg in males and 45 kg in females. The Horn of Africa is predominantly where it is located, although northern Kenya and certain areas of Tanzania are also included in its ecology.

Oribi (Ourebia)

The little Oribi gazelle is prevalent in East, South, and West Africa. The weight is approximately 20 kg, and the height at the shoulder is 65 cm; males are marginally smaller than females. The Oribi reside in floodplains, savannahs, and grasslands. The horns, exclusive to males, are comparatively little, slender, and linear. Gazelles versus Antelopes

Springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis)

Springboks are exclusively located in southern Africa, predominantly in South Africa and Namibia. Their black flank stripes make them resemble East African Thomson’s Gazelles. Springboks can attain a height of 85 cm and a weight of 40 kg. Both sexes possess horns.

Aepyceros melampus

Impalas are antelopes; nevertheless, they are not classified as gazelles, which may defy common understanding. Despite weighing between 40 and 80 kg, they are not classified as gazelles, even if they are quite small. The impala is one of the antelope species that safari-goers in Tanzania and other regions of East and Southern Africa are most likely to observe. This applies to other commonly observed antelopes, such as wildebeest, eland, and Oryx.

UNUSUAL BEHAVIORS AND FACTS: Gazelles Vs Antelopes

It would be erroneous to consider gazelles and antelopes as unremarkable. They have some unusual habits that facilitate engaging discourse.

Antelopes hunt zebras for sustenance. Antelopes periodically assemble in proximity to zebras. Zebras consume resilient grass, so leaving behind softer, shorter grass for subsequent grazers, such as antelopes, illustrating the ecological dynamics at play.

Some antelopes conceal their young in tall grass, away from the herd, until the offspring are sufficiently mature to run effectively.
We have discussed Stotting. It is only gazelle stotting. Other antelopes will retreat, and some may even confront it if they perceive predators or other threats.
Certain antelope make aromatic tracks with their hooves. This scent might facilitate navigation back to the herd if one becomes estranged from it.

Conclusion: Although they are the principal differences between the gazelle and the antelope, each species within both genera possesses unique distinguishing traits that are remarkable in their own right. By accurately identifying each gazelle and antelope, they enhance the diversity of animals on safari, resulting in a more captivating day of game viewing.