Thomson’s gazelle (Eudorcas thomsonii) is a small to medium‑sized antelope belonging to the family Bovidae, subfamily Antilopinae. It inhabits the open savannas and grasslands of East Africa, with its core range spanning Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan and parts of northern Zambia. The species prefers short, tussocky grasses on well‑drained plains but can also be found on lightly wooded areas and near waterholes. Adults stand 65–80 cm at the shoulder and measure 115–125 cm in head‑body length, weighing 25–55 kg. Males are larger, with robust, lyre‑shaped horns that curve outward then inward, while females have shorter, thinner horns. The coat is a reddish‑brown summer pelage that turns greyer in the dry season, marked by a distinct white facial stripe and a dark black band across the eyes. Renowned for its speed, the gazelle can reach bursts of 80 km h⁻¹, enabling escape from predators such as lions, cheetahs and African wild dogs. Although classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, populations are declining due to habitat conversion, competition with livestock, and hunting pressure. Conservation efforts focus on protected‑area management and monitoring of population trends.

Thomson’s gazelle lives in a highly fluid social system. Females and their offspring form mixed‑sex herds of 10–30 individuals that are constantly reshuffled; older females often lead the group while younger ones stay on the periphery. Males are territorial during the rut, establishing and defending small territories of 0.5–2 km² that they mark with preorbital gland secretions and visual displays. Outside the breeding season, bachelor groups of 2–6 males roam together, challenging resident bulls for access to females. The species is diurnal, feeding in the early morning and late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Communication includes sharp alarm whistles, low grunts, and visual signals such as ear flicking and horn clashing. Home‑range fidelity is moderate; individuals may travel several kilometers in search of fresh grazing, but tend to return to familiar water sources. Group cohesion is maintained through synchronized movements and frequent visual contact, which also reduces predation risk.

Thomson’s gazelle is a selective grazer, feeding primarily on short, nutritious grasses such as Digitaria, Cynodon and Pennisetum species. During the dry season it supplements its diet with forbs, herbs and occasional browse, especially young shoots of Acacia and Commiphora. An adult requires roughly 2–3 % of its body weight in dry matter per day, equivalent to 0.6–1.5 kg of vegetation. Water intake is minimal; the gazelle can meet most of its moisture needs from succulent grasses, but will drink at waterholes during prolonged droughts. Feeding is typically concentrated in the cooler hours of dawn and dusk to avoid heat stress. The species employs a “bite‑and‑run” strategy, moving frequently to avoid over‑grazing a patch and to reduce exposure to predators. Seasonal migrations are limited, but individuals may travel up to 10 km to locate fresh grazing after fire or heavy rains.

Females reach sexual maturity at 1.5–2 years, while males become competitive at about 2 years. The main breeding season coincides with the long rains (March–May) and the short rains (October–December), when fresh grass is abundant. After a gestation period of 184–190 days, usually a single calf is born; twins are rare (<2 % of births). Newborns weigh 3–4 kg and are hidden in tall grass for the first 2–3 weeks, during which the mother visits only briefly to nurse. By four weeks the calf joins the herd and begins grazing. Lactation lasts about 3–4 months, after which the juvenile becomes independent. Females can conceive again shortly after weaning, allowing for up to two litters per year in optimal conditions. Calf survival is strongly influenced by predator density and habitat quality, with mortality rates of 30–40 % in the first month.

The IUCN Red List classifies Thomson’s gazelle as Least Concern, estimating a total population of 1.5–2 million mature individuals. However, the species faces a suite of anthropogenic threats that have caused a gradual decline of about 10 % over the past three decades. Habitat loss and fragmentation from expanding agriculture, livestock grazing and infrastructure development reduce the availability of high‑quality grasslands. Competition with domestic cattle for forage intensifies during drought, leading to reduced body condition and lower reproductive rates. Poaching for meat and illegal trophy hunting, although less common than for larger antelopes, still removes individuals from local populations. Climate change exacerbates drought frequency, limiting water sources and forcing gazelles to travel longer distances, increasing predation risk. Conservation actions include the establishment and effective management of protected areas such as the Maasai Mara and Serengeti, community‑based livestock management, anti‑poaching patrols, and long‑term monitoring of population trends through aerial surveys and camera traps.

• Can sprint up to 80 km/h, making it one of the fastest antelopes.
• Named after the Scottish explorer Joseph Thomson, who first described the species in 1884.
• Can survive several days without drinking by extracting moisture from succulent grasses.
• Males have lyre‑shaped horns that curve outward then inward, used in ritualized clashes.
• Their white facial stripe and dark eye band provide camouflage in the dappled savanna light.