With their tawny coloring and ability to remain motionless for long periods, the young are surprisingly invisible when hidden in open country. Nevertheless, predation on the young is heavy, and many predators feed on nothing else during the calving peaks. Predators Cheetahs, lions, leopards, hunting dogs and hyenas prey on young and adults alike, with adult tommy males three times more susceptible than females. The young are also taken by serval cats, jackals, baboons, eagles and pythons. The Thomson gazelle is exceptionally alert to sounds and movements, and its fine senses of hearing, sight and smell balance its vulnerability on the open plains.
Males vigorously defend their territories.
If challenged, the defending male and his rival clash horns, with the winner claiming the territory. Order your copy of Wild Lives Guidebook . Back to Wildlives main page . African Wildlife Foundation .