Gazelle

Gazelles are mammals which are closely related to antelopes. They live in herds mainly in the dry areas of Africa and the southwestern part of Asia. They are most recognized for their "swift movements" and unique features. The largest species of gazelle is the rare Dama gazelle. Many of these gazelles, however, are or are becoming extinct due to significant amounts of change.

Anatomy
Though there are many unique species of gazelles, they all share common features. Perhaps the most recognizable of these features is its horns. In many species, large rings encircle the long horns. These horns are not shed, but instead keep growing throughout their lifetime, which is about 12 to 17 years depending upon if they live in the wild or are in human care.  Though it is more common for males, females may also have a pair that are smaller in size. However, some female gazelles, such as the Persian (or goitered) gazelle, lack horns.

The main feature that categorizes them, and other mammals, into the order Artiodactyla is even number of toes located on four hooves. 

These mammals stand to be about three feet. The color of the gazelle varies between species, but most have a brown coat with a black horizontal stripe running down its body and a white tail and underside. 

Reproduction
Seperate species of gazelle's have unique ways of mating during the breeding season. For example, the male Goitered (Persian) gazelle's get their name because of the swelling of the larynx during this time. This particular species can have up to four babies.

As with all mammals, the gazelle reproduces sexually. They are viviparous, meaning that they give birth to live young.

Young gazelles are born after they are finished growing inside of the mother's womb for about 7 months. At first, it is unable to do much of anything. However, about a week after it is born, it is able to run with the adult gazelles and follow its mother without much trouble. 

Ecology
Gazelles are known widely for their unique ways of mobility. Various ways include jumping, running, and "pronking" (when the gazelle jumps and lands on all four feet at the same time).

They have a very keen sense of seeing and hearing which enables them to locate their predators and get away more easily.

Gazelle's are herbivores, meaning they only eat plants. Most of their time is spent eating and grazing near grass, shrubs, and various other plants. 

Extinction
There are many species of gazelles that are now extinct due to environmental changes and various other reasons. Three species of gazelles that have recently become extinct include the Arabian Gazelle (Gazella Arabica), Queen of Sheba's Gazelle (Gazella Bilkis), and the Red Gazelle (Gazella Rufina). Fossils of these gazelles can be found in Africa, Eurasia, and areas in the Middle East.