Gazelle vs. Antelope: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever been on a safari or watched a wildlife documentary, you might have wondered, what’s the difference between a gazelle and an antelope? At first glance, they look quite similar. Both are graceful, fast, and found in the open landscapes of Africa and Asia. But despite their similarities, gazelles and antelopes have some key differences that set them apart.

Gazelles Are a Type of Antelope

The first thing to understand is that all gazelles are antelopes, but not all antelopes are gazelles. Think of it like this, if antelopes were a big family, gazelles would be a specific branch of that family. Antelopes include many different species, while gazelles belong to a smaller group within them.

Gazelles are generally smaller than other antelopes, with slim bodies built for speed. They also have a unique bouncing movement, called “stotting” or “pronking,” where they leap high into the air when they sense danger. This behavior can confuse predators and signal their strength.

Physical Differences

Gazelles are usually more delicate in appearance, with slender legs and curved horns. Their horns tend to be ringed and slightly S-shaped. Their coats are often tan with white underbellies, and some species have striking facial markings.

Antelopes, on the other hand, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are large and muscular, like the eland, while others are stocky and strong, like the hartebeest. Antelope horns also vary greatly, some twist into spirals, while others are long and straight.

Speed and Survival

Gazelles are known for their incredible speed and agility. Some species, like the Thomson’s gazelle, can run up to 60 km/h (37 mph) and make sharp turns to escape predators like cheetahs and lions. Their lightweight bodies and powerful legs help them outrun danger in open grasslands.

Other antelopes, however, rely on different survival strategies. Some use endurance rather than speed, while others form large herds for protection. The wildebeest, for example, migrates in massive groups, making it harder for predators to single out an individual.

Different Species

There are about 19 species of gazelles, with some of the most famous being the Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, and Dama gazelle. Each species has adapted to specific environments, from dry deserts to grassy plains.

Antelopes, on the other hand, include over 90 species, ranging from the tiny dik-dik to the massive eland. Some well-known types include the impala, kudu, oryx, and sable antelope. Because there are so many different species, antelopes can be found in a wide range of habitats, from forests to savannas.

Where You’ll Find Them

Most gazelles live in Africa and parts of Asia, preferring open plains and deserts where they can spot predators from a distance. Antelopes, however, have a wider range, with some species living in dense forests and mountainous areas.

While gazelles and antelopes are closely related, they have their own unique characteristics. Gazelles are generally smaller, faster, and more specialized for open grasslands. Antelopes, as a group, are more diverse, with species that vary greatly in size, appearance, and behavior.

So next time you see one on a safari or in a nature documentary, you’ll know exactly what makes a gazelle different from the rest of the antelope family.