Persian goitered gazelle

Gazella subgutturosa subgutturosa

In the steppes and semi-deserts of Asia, the Persian goitered gazelles have to cope with hot summers, freezing winters and a highly variable food supply. Their bodies and behaviour are perfectly adapted to these changing conditions.

Red List

Vulnerable

Breeding programme

The Persian goitered gazelle lives in the steppes and semi-deserts of Asia and is considered to be the gazelle species with the northernmost range. Compared with other gazelle species, it is more subject to seasonal changes and is the only gazelle species with a fixed rutting season.

It takes its name from the larynx. This is clearly visible in males, particularly during the mating season, and serves to amplify their mating calls.

Young Persian goitered gazelles are a typical example of a ‘stray’. The juveniles are not always to be found near their mother; instead, they hide in a sheltered spot. There they wait until their mother returns to feed them.

It is more common for forest-dwelling species to leave their young behind. A well-known local example is the roe deer, which leaves its fawn in tall grass.

Taxonomy

Bovidae, Gazella (9 species)

Habitat

semi-deserts with shrubs, up to 3,500 metres above sea level

Behaviour and ecology

active during the day, with some seasonal migrations

Social structure

temporary harem groups; bucks are sometimes territorial; outside the mating season, they live in large herds