What is the Difference Between Gazelle and Antelope

The main difference between gazelle and antelope is that gazelles are usually smaller and quicker than antelopes.

Antelopes are members of the Bovidae family, which includes cloven-hoofed ruminant mammals like impala, gnus, and elands. Gazelles are also members of the antelope genus. Therefore, all gazelles are antelopes, but not all antelopes are gazelles.

Key Areas Covered

1. Gazelle
     – Facts, Features, and Behavior
2. Antelope
     – Facts, Features, and Behavior
3. Similarities Between Gazelle and Antelope
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Gazelle and Antelope
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Antelope, Gazelle

Gazelle – Facts, Features, and Behavior

A gazelle is an antelope species that belong to the genus gazelle. Gazelles are usually nimble animals. They have silky tan coats and white rumps. They also have a range of stripes and spots. Gazelles possess ringed horns. They are most frequently found in the arid lands of Asia, China, the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, and even Northeast Africa.

Gazelles are browsers whose diet mainly consists of plant leaves and stems. Furthermore, they feed on short grasses, foliage, shoots, and herbs. Gazelles also do not dependent on water. They typically move in the opposite direction from other migratory animals like wildebeests.

Figure 1: Grant’s Gazelles

Some species of Gazelles, such as Thomson’s gazelles, are a primary source of food source for many predators such as Cape hunting dogs and cheetahs. Pythons can also prey on gazelles, while predatory birds feed on baby gazelles.

Antelope – Facts, Features, and Behavior

Antelope refers to a species of even-toed ruminants with smooth hair and upward-pointing horns. In fact, the term antelope refers to several mammals indigenous to various regions in Africa and Eurasia, including the gazelles, impala, gnus, and elands. Most antelope species inhabit open grasslands. However, some antelope species like duikers, sunis, and royal antelopes inhabit the rainforests of Central Africa.

Figure 2: Sable Antelope

Generally, male antelopes have horns, while only two-thirds of female antelopes possess horns, which are shorter and thinner than those of male antelopes. Just like gazelles, antelopes are usually herbivores and usually browse on smaller trees and bushes or graze on grass. However, some duiker antelope species feed on small birds, mammals, and insects.

Similarities Between Gazelle and Antelope

• Antelopes and gazelles are both members of the bovid family
• Both antelopes and gazelles are usually considered herbivores as they feed on a plant-based diet.
• Moreover, they possess cloven hooves and horns to some extent.
• All gazelles are antelopes, but not all antelopes are gazelles. 

Difference Between Gazelle and Antelope

Definition

Antelope is a member of the Bovidae family, which includes cloven-hoofed ruminant mammals, while  Gazelle is a member of a sub-class of the Antelope genus.

Size

When it comes to body size, gazelles usually bear a smaller build than other antelopes.

Horns

Most male and female gazelles bear ringed horns, while most male antelopes possess horns.

Speed

Compared to most antelope species, gazelles are a lot quicker and have an action unique to them, which is called  “stotting.”

Number of Species

There are 91 species of antelope recognized in the world, whereas within the genus antelope, 19 different Asian, American, or African gazelle breeds have been identified so far.

Diet

Gazelles’ diet is plant-based, while some antelope species feed on small insects, mammals, and birds.

Conclusion

Antelope is a member of the Bovidae family, which includes cloven-hoofed ruminant mammals, while  Gazelle is a member of the Antelope genus. Furthermore, gazelles are smaller but quicker than most antelopes. Thus, this is the main difference between Gazelle and Antelope.

Reference:

1. “Antelope.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
2. Buck, Autumn. “What Do Gazelles Eat? 8 Staples of Their Diet.” AZ Animals.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) adult male” By Charles J. Sharp – Own work, from Sharp Photography, sharpphotography (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Grant’s-gazelle” By Charles J. Sharp (Own work) – Canon EOS 300D with 300mm Canon Zoom lens (CC BY 2.5) via Commons Wikimedia