Atlas gazelle, Edmi, Mountain gazelle, Cuvier's gazelle
Cuvier's gazelle (Gazella cuvieri ) is a species of gazelle native to Algeria, Morocco, Western Sahara, and Tunisia. It is also known as the edmi. It is one of the darkest gazelle species, possibly an adaptation to its partial woodland habitat. It is sometimes placed into the genus Trachelocele together with the goitered gazelles and the rhim gazelles.
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NocturnalNocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal",...
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HerbivoreA herbivore is an animal anatomically and physiologically adapted to eating plant material, for example, foliage, for the main component of its die...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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CursorialA cursorial organism is one that is adapted specifically to run. An animal can be considered cursorial if it has the ability to run fast (e.g. chee...
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PrecocialPrecocial species are those in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Precocial species are normall...
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GrazingGrazing is a method of feeding in which a herbivore feeds on plants such as grasses, or other multicellular organisms such as algae. In agriculture...
Among animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. The term 'viviparity' and its adjective form 'viviparous'...
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PolygynyPolygyny is a mating system in which one male lives and mates with multiple females but each female only mates with a single male.
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HerdingA herd is a social grouping of certain animals of the same species, either wild or domestic. The form of collective animal behavior associated with...
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MigratingAnimal migration is the relatively long-distance movement of individual animals, usually on a seasonal basis. It is the most common form of migrati...
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Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withOnce abundant and widely distributed throughout North America, Cuvier’s gazelles have gradually lost most of their original range and population. Scattered populations of this species currently occupy fragmented remains of their former range. The Cuvier’s gazelle is a horned antelope with the greyish-brown overall coat. This animal is the darkest species of its genus. Females are distinguished by noticeably thinner and smoother horns.
By the early 20th century, this species was commonly found in Moroccan mountains, Algeria and western parts of Tunisia. Unfortunately, Cuvier’s gazelles faced a terrible population decline in 1932. As a result, in 1972, they had a very small total population, restricted to the high Atlas Mountains. Nowadays, these animals occur in higher regions of Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, where they are typically found in small herds. They are capable of living in a variety of habitats such as open oak forests, pine forests, open terrains, grasslands, vineyards as well as stony desert plateaus.
Cuvier’s gazelles display social behavior, forming small herds of less than 8 animals. These units are generally harems, consisting of a single mature male as well as a few mature females with their offspring. By the early mating season (July-October), some groups have additinal mature males, which are the newly matured offspring. They are driven out of the group, joining bachelor herds. In the beginning of winter, males exhibit highly territorial behavior, patrolling the home ranges of their herds and marking it with urine, dung or scent glands, located under their eyes. These animals show increased activity during the nighttime hours, when they come out of their shelters to graze in open valleys. Daytime hours, on the other hand, are typically spent in brushy habitats. Some populations of this species lead sedentary lifestyle, remaining in the same area throughout the year. Others display nomadic behavior, constantly being on the move. Meanwhile, there are populations that migrate to other regions.
Cuvier’s gazelles are known to maintain herbivorous diet. These ruminant animals rely solely on vegetation such as leaves and grasses.
Cuvier’s gazelles are polygynous, which means that one male mates with multiple females. With the onset of the reproductive season, males of this species begin to display highly territorial behavior. Although Cuvier's gazelles may breed year-round, most breeding takes place at the beginning of winter. Females generally give birth in March-May and October. Both of these birthing seasons coincide with periods of increased rainfall. One or two fawns are born after 180 days of gestation. Then after the lapse of 10 days, the female can breed again. During the first few weeks of its life, the babies live separate from the herd, usually in a secluded place, hidden by foliage. At about 1 month old, they start eating solid food but still feed upon maternal milk. Young females are ready to mate at 7 months old.
During the first half of the 20th century, these animals underwent a sharp population decline, which was primarily associated with excessive hunting for their skin, meat as well as for sport. The overall population of Cuvier’s gazelles is still decreasing because of habitat alteration with agricultural areas and grazing grounds for livestock.
According to the IUCN Red List, the total population of Cuvier’s gazelles is estimated to be 1,750-2,950 individuals. This includes estimates for the species’ populations in the following areas: Morocco: 900-2,000 animals; Algeria: 560 animals; Tunisia: 300-400 animals. Currently, Cuvier’s gazelles are classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List.
Social animals are those animals that interact highly with other animals, usually of their own species (conspecifics), to the point of having a rec...