Mongolian Gazelle

About this species

Weight

Newborn approximately 3kg

Habitat

Flat or rolling steppe, dry grassland, and desert steppe

Range

Mongolia, southern Siberia, and northern China

Litter size

Usually 1; occasionally 2

Gestation

5–6 months

The Mongolian gazelle, or dzeren, is a medium-sized antelope with a light tawny-brown summer coat that becomes longer, thicker, and paler in winter. A white, heart-shaped rump patch divided by a darker central line is conspicuous. Only males carry the lyre-shaped horns, which rise from the forehead and curve backwards. Its thicker coat and facial proportions differ from the sleeker appearance of true gazelles in the genus Gazella. The species is a capable long-distance runner and swimmer. (Wikipedia, general species account)

This gazelle is native to Mongolia, southern Siberia, and northern China; a recent range assessment cited by the species account placed most of its global range in Mongolia. It favours flat or rolling steppe, dry grassland, and desert steppe. Herds travel widely, with movements changing according to weather and food. Activity is mainly diurnal in winter and concentrated near dawn and dusk in summer. Mating occurs in late autumn or winter, and females generally bear one calf in June or July after five to six months. (Wikipedia, general species account)

Description: Wildlife of Mongolia guide, Wildlife of Everywhere (wildlifeofeverywhere.com); general species information paraphrased from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)