Indian gazelle
| Indian gazelle | ||||||||||||
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Indian gazelle ( Gazella bennettii ) |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Gazella bennettii | ||||||||||||
| ( Sykes , 1831) |
The Indian gazelle ( Gazella bennettii ), also called Chinkara , is a species of mammal from the genus of the gazelles ( Gazella ) native to Asia .
features
The Indian gazelle reaches a head body length of around one meter, its weight is around 25 kilograms and its shoulder height around 65 centimeters. Their fur is colored reddish-brown on the upper side and on the flanks, the underside is lighter, almost white. Two dark brown stripes extend from the eyes to the muzzle. The horns of the male animals are usually about 20 centimeters long, the record so far was 39 centimeters.
distribution and habitat
Indian gazelles are common in southern Iran , Pakistan, and northern India . Their habitat are dry, open regions such as grasslands and desert areas.
Way of life
Indian gazelles live in groups of 3 to 30 animals, but can also be found individually. The shy chinkaras are particularly active in the morning and at dusk. Like most species of gazelle, they can do without water for a long time.
threat
Hunting has reduced the populations in Iran and Pakistan significantly, but the populations in India are stable and are estimated at over 100,000 animals. The Indian gazelle is therefore not one of the threatened species.
literature
- Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World . Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999 ISBN 0-8018-5789-9
- Vivek Menon: A Field Guide to Indian Mammals . Dorling Kindersley (India), 2003. ISBN 0-14-302998-3
Web links
- Gazella bennettii in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2006. Posted by: DP Mallon, 2003. Accessed on 1 1 of 2007.