Thomson's Gazelle
Gazella thomsonii
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Artiodactyla · Bovidae
About
Thomson's gazelle is one of the best known species of gazelles. It is named after explorer Joseph Thomson and is sometimes referred to as a "tommie". It is considered by some to be a subspecies of the red-fronted gazelle and was formerly considered a member of the genus Gazella within the subgenus Eudorcas, before Eudorcas was elevated to genus status.
Fun Fact
Thomson's gazelles stot (spring repeatedly with stiff legs) when being chased by cheetahs — scientists confirmed this signals 'I'm healthy enough to escape, choose another prey' to predators.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Lives in East Africa's savannas and grassland habitats, particularly the Serengeti region of Kenya and Tanzania.
Diet
Eat mainly fresh grasses, but during the dry seasons, they eat more browse, particularly foliage from woody plants bushes and herbaceous forbs.
Lifespan
10–15 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance