Cuvier's Gazelle

Cuvier's Gazelle

Atlas gazelle, Edmi, Mountain gazelle

Kingdom
Phylum
Subphylum
Class
Order
Family
Subfamily
Genus
SPECIES
Gazella cuvieri
Population size
1,750-2,950
Life Span
18 years
Top speed
81
50
km/hmph
km/h mph 
Weight
15-35
33-77
kglbs
kg lbs 
Height
60-69
23.6-27.2
cminch
cm inch 
Length
95-105
37.4-41.3
cminch
cm inch 

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.

Appearance

Once 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.

Distribution

Geography

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 Gazelle habitat map

Climate zones

Cuvier's Gazelle habitat map
Cuvier's Gazelle
Attribution-ShareAlike License

Habits and Lifestyle

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.

Group name
Seasonal behavior

Diet and Nutrition

Cuvier’s gazelles are known to maintain herbivorous diet. These ruminant animals rely solely on vegetation such as leaves and grasses.

Mating Habits

MATING BEHAVIOR
REPRODUCTION SEASON
Year-round, the peak in early winter
PREGNANCY DURATION
180 days
BABY CARRYING
1-2 calves
FEMALE NAME
cow
MALE NAME
bull
BABY NAME
calf, fawn

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.

Population

Population threats

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.

Population number

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.

Fun Facts for Kids

  • When threatened, Cuvier’s gazelles usually flee. They also give special alarm signals such as a snorting sound or flicking of the tail.
  • When alarmed, these animals move with the characteristic stotting gait: this is when an animal jumps, landing all four limbs simultaneously. According to scientists, this may be a display of their vigor and fitness, since in most cases, cheetahs stop hunting and turn away, when a gazelle starts stotting.
  • Due to the sharp population decline, in 1932, this species was already among the rarest gazelle species around the globe.
  • The natural range of Cuvier's gazelles extends north of the Sahara Desert. These animals are currently the only surviving species of their genus, native to this region.
  • Gazelle species are able to survive long periods of time without directly drinking water. Instead, they get all required moisture from dew as well as plants that they consume.
  • Gazelles are amazingly beautiful and elegant creatures.

References

1. Cuvier's Gazelle Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuvier%27s_gazelle
2. Cuvier's Gazelle on The IUCN Red List site - http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/8967/0

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