Gazella bennettii (Sykes, 1831)

Common Name and Size

This species, commonly known as the chinkara, stands 65 cm (26 in) tall and weighs approximately 23 kg (51 lb).

Summer Coat

It has a smooth, glossy reddish-buff summer coat.

Winter Coat

In winter, the white fur on its belly and throat shows greater contrast against the rest of its coat.

Facial Markings

Dark chestnut stripes run from the corner of the eye to the muzzle on the sides of its face, and these stripes are bordered by white stripes.

Horn Structure

Both male and female chinkaras have straight, prominently ringed horns that reach over 39 cm (15 in), but females have shorter horns.

Habitat Types

Chinkaras live in arid plains and hills, deserts, dry scrub, and open forests.

Distribution in India

They are found in more than 80 protected areas across India.

Distribution in Pakistan

In Pakistan, their range extends up to elevations of 1,500 m (4,900 ft).

Distribution in Iran

Iran's largest chinkara population resides in Kavir National Park.

India Population Estimate

In 2001, India's total chinkara population was estimated at 100,000, with 80,000 of these individuals living in the Thar Desert.

Pakistan Population Status

Pakistan's chinkara population is scattered and has been severely reduced by hunting.

Iran Population Status

Iran's chinkara population is also fragmented.

Afghanistan Population Status

Chinkaras are most likely very rare in Afghanistan.

Locomotion Traits

Chinkaras are swift and agile.

Feeding Period

They are nocturnal feeders, with most feeding activity taking place during the evening and night.

Diet

They are browsers that feed on leaves and grasses.

Typical Group Size

They are most often seen alone or in small groups of up to three individuals, which commonly include a mother and her offspring.

Larger Group Observations

Groups of 8 to 10 individuals are sometimes observed.

Mating System and Territoriality

Chinkaras are polygamous, and males are territorial, guarding their own territories.

Breeding Seasons

There are two breeding seasons each year: one at the end of the rainy season, and another at the end of spring.

Gestation Period

The gestation period for chinkaras is 5 to 5.5 months.

Litter Size

Females usually give birth to one offspring, and occasionally to twins.

Offspring Dependency Period

Offspring stay with their mother for 12 months.

Native Predators

Natural predators of chinkaras include Indian leopards, Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, and dholes.

Extirpated Predator in Iran

In Iran, chinkara was a common prey species of the now-extirpated Asiatic cheetah.

Predation by Domestic Dogs

Outside of protected areas, chinkaras may be attacked by pariah dogs.

Additional Predators

Indian wolves and golden jackals are also known to hunt chinkaras.