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A mamal inhabits both desert and semi-desert Mammal that inhabits both desert and semi-desert
© National Museum of Qatar
Scientific Name: Gazella subguturosa
Common Name: Arabian Sand Gazelle
Dimensions: Head-Body Length: 90 – 126 cm Tail Length: 10 – 23 cm Shoulder Height: 56 – 80 cm Weight: 18 – 40 kg
Medium: model
Registration Number: RPN.2018.0322.1
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The sand gazelle displays color variations across its populations, ranging from white to brown with shades of grey, red, or yellow. Its back to flanks features light brown coloring, sharply meeting the underparts. The tail's first two thirds are black, contrasting with white derrière. In the Arabian Peninsula, juveniles possess an unmarked white face. The species exhibits large black eyes, long ears, relatively long legs and neck, and a short tail. Males are bigger than females.
Habitat and Biology
The Sand Gazelle thrives in both desert and semi-desert habitats. It lives in groups smaller than 10 individuals during the winter months but forms larger groups during the breeding season. This gazelle is known to travel significant distances to find suitable food sources. Due to the intense heat of its environment, it mainly forages at dawn and dusk. It derives its water needs from morning dew and plant moisture. Its diet includes leaves, young shoots, grasses, and herbs. Females give birth to twin calves after a 6-month gestation period and have an average lifespan of around 14 years. This species is extremely cautious and relies on high-speed running, rather than leaping, to evade danger—unlike other gazelle species.
ECO System Qatar
Sand dune ecosystem: The crescent-shaped sand dunes are considered one of the prominent features of the terrestrial environment of the State of Qatar.In southern Qatar, huge sand dunes rise from the desert plain. These dunes are shaped by the wind and are constantly shifting. In certain conditions, the movement of sand grains creates a low humming sound. The dunes near Mesai’eed are one of the few places on Earth where this phenomenon of ‘singing’ sand dunes can be heard. The plants and animals that survive in the intense heat and unstable sands of the dunes are supremely well adapted to the challenging conditions.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
Wittmer, W., Büttiker, W., & Krupp, F. (1979). Fauna of Arabia (Vol. 6, Issue 3 of Fauna publication). Pro Entomologia c/o Natural History Museum
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