DAMA GAZELLE

 
Name: Antelope:  Dama Gazelle is the common name
Scientific name : Gazella dama 
Range: Sahar Desert, tropical Africa and Asia, mountain ranges and sandy plains.
Habitat: In the dry season of the year they roam in bushlands and semi-deserts. In the wet season the gazelles can be found in the Sahara Desert.
Status: Threatened
Diet in the wild:  shrubs, succulents, on occasion desert grasses, and herbs.
Diet in the zoo:  much the same herbs, grass etc...
Location in the zoo:  African Hoofed Stock Exhibit

Physical description:
 

  • Weighs anywhere from 90 - 190 lbs.
  • Can range from 3 to 4 ft in height.
  • The horn are mostly curved at the tips.
  • The horns of the males are 20-31in long. The horns of the female are12-17in long
  • Their coats are mostly white, with brown patches over the neck and back.
  • Females have more white in their coats than males.
  • Tails are short and nearly hairless. Large black eyes set on the sides of the face
 

General information: 

Gazelles travel in herds anywhere from six antelope to thirty antelope. This animal is known for its beauty, grace, and gentleness. There are twenty-five different species of Gazelles. The gazelles are also known for their fast and swift running. The word Gazelle comes from an Arabic word meaning to be affectionate. 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Special anatomical, physiological 
or behavioral adaptations: 

Gazelles can tolerate long periods of time without a drink. This species seems to be somewhat afraid of most other species. The are more likely to hide and migrate in hidden places, rather than out where people or other animals are.
 

Comments about the Gazelles of the Fort Worth Zoo: 

The Gazelles of the Fort Worth Zoo are pretty much explained by the information above. The Gazelle is graceful and are playful among members of its own species. They will not associate with many species around them. 
 
 

Other animals in the Gazelle Exhibit include the African Ground Hornbill and the African Crowned Crane.

 

 Personal Observations: 

An adult Gazelle has a pure white head. Many but not all have a white spot on the neck. The females in this species are much smaller, maybe not in body mass but their features are more delicate. The females have smaller horns, more slender legs and barely have a tail at all. They were not active during the day. The keeper said they are most active during the night, and early morning.
 
Source Materials and Related Links: 

The World Book Encyclopedia, vol7. 2895-2896. 

The Encarta 99 Encyclopedia.

Animal Info- Dama Gazelle

Addra Gazelle- Oakland Zoo

ZooNet Archive:  Gazelle- Montgomery Zoo
 

 
 
 

Page author: {short description of image}Racheal Lowrey 

Send E-mail to:  tlowrey2@juno.com

or to:  mac@whozoo.org
 


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