Dave Taylor's African Safari: Trophic Level II - The Herbivores - Grant’s Gazelle

Dave Taylor's African Safari: Trophic Level II - The Herbivores - Grant’s Gazelle - Page 27

Trophic Level II - The Herbivores
Grant’s Gazelle
Page 27

Gazella granti

Length: 140-166 cm (55-65")

Height: 78-83 cm (30-33")

Tail: 20-28 cm (7.8-11")

Weight: 38-78kg (84-172 lb.)

Status: Locally common

Habitat: The range of Grant's gazelles is very similar to that of Thomson's gazelles. It is found from southern Sudan and Ethiopia into northern Tanzania. It is found in subdeserts, lowland thornbush country, open grassland and wooded savannas. It will range up to 2 500 meters (8,200 feet) in suitable habitat. It is found throughout the Serengeti-Mara.

In the southern and eastern portion of the Serengeti, a local race of Grant’s gazelle can be found. This race is sometimes called Robert’s gazelle (Gazella granti roberti). It differs from the more common race by having horn tips that are slightly down-turned.

Food: Grant's gazelles are dependent on water. In the Serengeti, they can be found on the short grass plains even when the plains are too dry to support the smaller Thomson's gazelle. Grant's gazelles almost never drink. They get all the moisture they need from the plants they eat.

Grant's gazelles eat herbs and shrubs during the wetter portion of the wet season and during the dry season. They eat grass only when it is young and tender.

These gazelles benefit from the intensive grazing of other herbivores because this type of feeding improves the habitat for the plants this species prefers.

Social System: Sometimes these animals may be found in herds numbering 400 to 500. Such herds are often found near a landmark of some sort; a kopje or hill, for example. Large herds are made up of territorial males as well as females and offspring. As the herd moves through a specific male's territory, he becomes dominant to other males. When the herd leaves and he moves into the territory of another male he will become submissive.

More often, the territorial males are found in the company of between 2 and 32 females (average 10). Like Thomson's gazelles, the male tries to keep the females in his area and herds them.

Young males will form small bachelor herds which may be joined by older males who no longer hold a territory. Males breed when they are three years old. Females breed when they are one and a half years old.

Behavior: Females seek secluded spots to give birth. The fawn will lie-out for four to six weeks before joining the herd.

Grant's gazelles will often mix with herds of wildebeest and zebra. Groupings of Thomson’s and Grant's are common. Female and immature Grant's gazelles resemble the Tommies and can be mistaken for them. Look at the tail if you wish to tell them apart. The white on the Grant's rump extends above the tip of the tail.

Predators: Spotted hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs and lion all prey on this species. Jackals and baboons will eat fawns if they find them.

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