About Gazella dorcas (Linnaeus, 1758)
Taxonomy and General Appearance
The dorcas gazelle, scientific name Gazella dorcas (Linnaeus, 1758), is similar in appearance to the closely related mountain gazelle (G. gazella), but smaller in size. It has longer ears and more strongly curved horns, which bow outwards before turning inwards and forwards at the tips.
Coat Color of Saharan Subspecies
Individuals of the Saharan subspecies G. d. osiris have very pale, fawn-colored coats. The species has a white underside, which is bordered by a brown stripe; a sandy stripe runs above this brown stripe.
Facial Coloration
Its forehead and face are darker than the rest of its body.
Coat Color of North Saharan Subspecies
Subspecies found north of the Sahara tend to be more ochre in overall color, and have dark flanks and dark facial stripes.
Coat Color of Red Sea Region Populations
Populations of the species located in Israel and around the Red Sea are darker and more reddish in color.
Population Decline Trend
Over the last century, dorcas gazelle populations have been partially reduced across all countries where the species occurs.
Current Population Distribution
Today, large populations of dorcas gazelles are found in the Negev and the Arava. Other large populations exist in Sudan, and in the southern part of the eastern desert of Egypt.
Israeli Population Size
Only 1000–1500 dorcas gazelles currently remain in Israel.
