The Thomson’s Gazelle (Gazella thomsonii) is a common large east African antelope. It is nicknamed the Tommy.
The Thomson’s Gazelle has cinnamon-coloured fur with white underparts (but not above the tail), separated by a bold black side stripe. It has a black tail. It has a white throat patch and facial markings. It has a dark marking on its face. The male has horns that are large and strongly ridged, growing to 25-43 centimetres (10-17 inches) long. The female has very small horns, that are 8-15 centimetres (3-6 inches) long.
Thomson’s Gazelle
The Thomson’s Gazelle can grow to 58-70 centimetres (23-28 inches) tall.
It is found in Kenya and Tanzania. It prefers acacia savannah plains and open short-grassed grasslands. It is a grazer, feeding on grass, but will browse (feeding on plants and leaves) during droughts.
The Thomson’s Gazelle lives in small herds of around nine females and their calves with one territorial male. Bachelor herds of young male gazelles average about five individuals who live close to the female herd.
Females have one live young, called a calf, after a six-month pregnancy.
Thomson’s Gazelle
Thomson’s Gazelle
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM