Overview
Similar in size and appearance to the Persian goitered gazelle, but the horns (males only) are much shorter, ranging from 10-14 inches (25-36 cm). Upperparts are a pale sandy color (pinkish-cinnamon), darkening on the sides to form indistinct flank bands. Its range overlaps that of the Mongolian gazelle in the eastern Gobi region, but it can be distinguished by its smaller size, different coloration, and much longer black tail, which it carries erect when running. Interestingly, its goiter-like growth is considerably smaller than that of the Mongolian gazelle. Normally the two species occupy different terrain and keep to themselves; however, they are sometimes found together.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Gazella
- Species
- Gazella subgutturosa
Habitat
A wide variety of desert and semi-arid habitats are occupied. Distribution- From the Junggar Pendi (Dzungarian Basin) in northern Xinjiang, eastward through the Gobi region of Mongolia and northern China as far as Baotou (Paotow) and the Mu Us Shamo (Ordos Desert), and southward through the Qaidam Pendi (Tsaidam Basin) in Qinghai.
Diet
This animal both grazes and browses based on seasonal availability.
Behavior
Goitered gazelles communicate using a series of deep grunts, hissing, moos and wheezing. Grunts are made by adults and young and before running, they often make a nasal hiss as an alarm. Females make hoarse, low-pitched sounds to call their young and young respond by making a low-pitched “moo”. During breeding season, males make a low, basal wheezing sound, which can be heard 100 to 150 m away. They also use glandular secretions to demarcate territorial boundaries and communicate with conspecifics, especially during breeding season.
Hunting
Spot and stalk methods are common.
Conservation Status
Listed as Vulnerable by IUCN.