Gazelle vs. Antelope : Particularly if they are a young calf or fawn, you would probably scratch your head and wonder which one is it the gazelle or the antelope? However, in order to prevent any misconceptions in the future, we’re here to provide you with a comprehensive summary of each, and being able to identify each one will make you appear good.
Gazelle Vs. Antelope
Continue reading to find out more about these two imposing-looking species.
Overview of Gazelle.
To put it simply, not all antelopes are gazelles, but all gazelles are antelopes. More precisely, because gazelles belong to the antelope genus, they are classified as related but not as comparable as separate species.
Their silky brown coats and striped and spotty markings help you recognize them.
They are typically found in regions like China and Asia and also have horns that resemble rings. They are also found all the way to Tanzania along the horn of Africa.
Because they are not as reliant on water as other species are, their food consists of plant leaves and stems.
Given that they are frequently preyed upon by numerous predators, including pythons and cheetahs, these creatures can also move quickly to escape a difficult situation. The fact that gazelles have two toes covered in hooves helps them when they need to jump or slide out of harm’s way.
Overview Of Antelope.
When comparing gazelles to antelope, the latter has more angular-looking horns, smooth hair, and even toes. Just two-thirds of female antelopes have horns, compared to the majority of male antelopes.
Although these species are slower than gazelles due to their larger bodies, their diets are slightly different because some kinds of antelopes like to eat insects, small mammals, and birds.
An antelope will drink about 2.8 litres of water per day during dry periods, when feed has less than 40% moisture content; however, this is only if they are unable to obtain water by eating items like grass, leaves, or mulch.
We don’t blame you if you’re not familiar with the distinguishing characteristics of the 91 different species of antelope, as you can find distinct varieties in different parts of Africa and Europe.
Do They Have Any Similarities?
Now that you have a basic understanding of each species, it would be wise to discuss their commonalities. We may frequently confuse antelope with gazelles due to these shared traits. The primary distinction is that they belong to the same family the bovids which is a large group by itself.
Both are typically classified as herbivores, while some antelope species like the duiker, for example may slightly defy this classification and be classified as omnivores. However, this can still be very variable based on the surroundings and the availability of specific sources.
The fact that both species of bovid migrate in small to big groups some of which can number up to 700 members is one of their most obvious commonalities. On the other hand, when observing their yearly migration, it becomes increasingly evident that antelopes can travel in bigger groups of thousands.
Gazelles utilize their leaps and slots to warn other members of their group of impending danger or to elude predators. During mating season, you can witness this movement firsthand.
It’s interesting to note that antelopes can exist in a variety of habitats, including deserts, frigid tundras, and places near lakes and oceans. Similarly, certain gazelles, such as the Tibetan species, occupy high alpine meadows, while other species are better suited to dry, desert climates.
And there’s no need to search any farther if you want to witness gazelles and antelopes up close! Get in touch with us right now to arrange the Tanzania wildlife trip of a lifetime.
