Goitered Gazelle

Contrary to the name, Goitered Gazelles do not all have thyroid gland conditions. However, the males of the species do have throats that enlarge during breeding season, and their necks can resemble Goiter. They use those throat sacs to create loud courtship bellows.

You'll find these Gazelles in the Middle East and in parts of Central Asia, and there are four recognized subspecies. They live in dry plains and deserts, and are most active at dusk and dawn (the rest in the shade during the hot daytime). Luckily, they are able to get most of their water from the plants that they eat, so they do not have to worry too much about finding additional water in their dry habitat.

Goitered Gazelles are very fast, and can run as swiftly as 36mph. They are also unusual among Gazelles in that the females do not normally have horns (they do in other species). However, like many of their relatives, these antelope live in small groups that migrate seasonally.

IUCN Status : Vulnerable
Location : Middle East and Central Asia
Size : Shoulder height up to 32in (80cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Artiodactyla
Family : Bovidae -- Genus : Gazella -- Species : G. subgutturosa

Image : kallerna

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