Peter's Gazelle

Gazelle granti petersi

Description

Peter’s Gazelle can grow to be 53.34 cm long, 80 cm at shoulder height and weigh 60 kg. The horns of this gazelle are small (never exceeding 21 inches in length), short, narrow, and are bent backwards with about 8 inches in spread at the tips. This species has a smaller, white rump patch than the Grant’s gazelle, a cinnamon dorsal bridge as wide as the Thompson’s gazelle, and a wide, dark pygal stripe. The body of this gazelle is fawn colored with a white underside.

Habitat

This species can be found in Northern Tanzania, southern Somalia and Coastal districts of Kenya. Peter’s gazelles are found in open plains of deserts and also on stony hills.

Feeding Behavior and Diet

The Peter’s gazelle is an herbivore. An herbivore is an animal that only consumes vegetation. The diet of this species consists mainly of grasses. This species does not require water for months at a time because they are able to survive from the water content of their food.

Reproduction

Breeding season varies with location. A single fawn is produced after a 27 week gestation period. Females typically only give birth once a year to one fawn. Fawns are hidden while mothers leave to graze at a distance within the sight of the mother. Female Peter’s gazelles reach sexual maturity after 1.5 years while the males do not reach sexual maturity until after 3 years.

Months and Times of Activity

This species is commonly seen with Coke’s hartebeest, topi, and zebra. Herds of Peter’s gazelle can vary in size but usually consist of 3-20 individuals. Herds may segregate into groups of bachelor males and females with dominant males. A social ranking is seen in herds of this species during migrations. Herds migrate seasonally unless year-round supplies of forage are available.

Special Features, Stories, Relationships

•    Peter’s gazelle is a race of the Grant’s gazelle. Dr. Wilhelm Peters discovered that this race of gazelle has different horn shape and size than the Grant’s gazelle and thus the race is named after the man who was responsible for identifying it.

•    To read legends featuring this animal go to; http://www.mythfolklore.net/3043mythfolklore/reading/africa/pages/11.htm

•    Children’s book featuring this animal: The Boy Who Ran with the Gazelles by Marianna Mayer

References

Dracopoli, Ignatius N. Through Jubaland to the Lorain Swamp. N.p.: Seely, Service& Imited, 1914. Print.
"Peter's Gazelle." Wild about You.com. Blue Forest Safaris, n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2013.
Roosevelt, Theodore, and Edmund Heller. Life-histories of African Game Animals. N.p.: Scribner's Sons, 1914. Print.