Gazelle vs. Antelope — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 23, 2023
Both Gazelle and Antelope are hoofed mammals, but a Gazelle is a specific type of small, swift Antelope, while Antelope is a broader term for various species within the Bovidae family.
Difference Between Gazelle and Antelope
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Key Differences
A Gazelle and an Antelope are both ungulates found mainly in Africa and parts of Asia. While they share many similarities, there are key distinctions between them. Gazelles are a subset of Antelopes, meaning all Gazelles are Antelopes, but not all Antelopes are Gazelles.
Gazelles are generally characterized by their smaller size, delicate features, and exceptional speed. They possess a grace that makes them distinct, and they are known for their bounding leaps, known as "pronking" or "stotting", which they use to evade predators. On the other hand, Antelopes encompass a wider range of species, varying greatly in size, appearance, and habitat.
While Gazelles are adapted for open plains and deserts, where they utilize their speed as a primary defense mechanism, Antelopes can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, swamps, and savannas. This wide habitat range for Antelopes means a broader diversity in behavior and adaptations.
The word "Gazelle" is derived from the Arabic word "ghazal", while the term "Antelope" might have Greek roots, specifically "anthos" and "ops", meaning "flower face". Both terms, however, have come to be used widely in English to describe these majestic creatures.
It's worth noting that while all Gazelles are Antelopes, there are only about 13 species of Gazelles. In contrast, there are over 90 species that fall under the broader category of Antelope.
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Comparison Chart
Classification
A specific subset of Antelopes.
A broader term for many species in the Bovidae family.
Size
Generally smaller and slender.
Varies greatly from small to large.
Adaptation
Adapted mainly for open plains and deserts.
Found in various habitats including forests and swamps.
Behavior
Known for "pronking" or "stotting" when evading predators.
Behaviors vary across different species.
Species Count
About 13 species.
Over 90 species.
Compare with Definitions
Gazelle
An animal known for its bounding leaps, called "pronking".
To show off its vitality, the Gazelle started pronking in the grasslands.
Antelope
Ranges in size and appearance, from the tiny dik-dik to the large eland.
The diversity of Antelope species in the reserve was astounding.
Gazelle
A swift and graceful hoofed mammal adapted for speed.
The Gazelle sprinted across the savanna, easily outpacing its pursuers.
Antelope
An animal often characterized by its long, spiraled horns.
The male Antelope used its horns in a duel for dominance.
Gazelle
A small member of the Antelope family with slender limbs.
The young Gazelle grazed contentedly near its mother.
Antelope
An ungulate primarily native to Africa, but also found in parts of Asia.
The Antelope stood watchfully, always alert to potential danger.
Gazelle
A creature predominantly found in open plains and deserts of Africa and Asia.
Gazelles in the desert have adapted to survive with minimal water.
Antelope
A creature adapted to various habitats, from forests to savannas.
This type of Antelope prefers the dense cover of the forest.
Gazelle
One of the most iconic animals of the African savanna.
Tourists were delighted to capture a Gazelle on camera during their safari.
Antelope
A term referring to various species of hoofed mammals in the Bovidae family.
The vast grasslands were teeming with Antelope herds.
Gazelle
A gazelle is any of many antelope species in the genus Gazella. This article also deals with the seven species included in two further genera, Eudorcas and Nanger, which were formerly considered subgenera of Gazella.
Antelope
The term antelope is used to refer to many species of even-toed ruminant that are indigenous to various regions in Africa and Eurasia. Antelope comprise a wastebasket taxon (miscellaneous group) within the family Bovidae, encompassing all Old World ruminants that are not bovines, sheep, goats, deer, or giraffes.
Gazelle
A small, slender antelope that typically has curved horns and a fawn-coloured coat with white underparts, found in open country in Africa and Asia.
Antelope
A swift-running deerlike ruminant with smooth hair and upward-pointing horns, of a group native to Africa and Asia that includes the gazelles, impala, gnus, and elands.
Gazelle
Any of various small, swift antelopes of the genus Gazella and related genera of Africa and Asia, characteristically having a slender neck and ringed horns.
Antelope
Any of various swift-running ruminant mammals of the family Bovidae, native to Africa and Eurasia and having unbranched horns.
Gazelle
An antelope of either of the genera Gazella (mostly native to Africa) or Procapra (native to Asia), capable of running at high speeds for long periods.
Antelope
A pronghorn.
Gazelle
One of several small, swift, elegantly formed species of antelope, of the genus Gazella, esp. G. dorcas; - called also algazel, corinne, korin, and kevel. The gazelles are celebrated for the luster and soft expression of their eyes.
Antelope
Leather made from antelope hide.
Gazelle
Small swift graceful antelope of Africa and Asia having lustrous eyes
Antelope
Any of several African mammals of the family Bovidae distinguished by hollow horns, which, unlike deer, they do not shed.
Antelope
(US) The pronghorn, Antilocapra americana.
Antelope
A fierce legendary creature said to live on the banks of the Euphrates, having long serrated horns and being hard to catch.
Antelope
One of a group of ruminant quadrupeds, intermediate between the deer and the goat. The horns are usually annulated, or ringed. There are many species in Africa and Asia.
The antelope and wolf both fierce and fell.
Antelope
Graceful Old World ruminant with long legs and horns directed upward and backward; includes gazelles; springboks; impalas; addax; gerenuks; blackbucks; dik-diks
Common Curiosities
Are Gazelles a type of Antelope?
Yes, all Gazelles are Antelopes, but not all Antelopes are Gazelles.
Which is faster, a Gazelle or an Antelope?
Gazelles are among the fastest Antelopes, but speeds vary among Antelope species.
Do all Antelopes have horns?
Most Antelopes have horns, but the presence and size vary by species and gender.
Where are Gazelles typically found?
Gazelles are mainly found in the open plains and deserts of Africa and parts of Asia.
How many species of Gazelle are there?
There are about 13 recognized species of Gazelle.
Is "pronghorn" another name for Antelope?
While pronghorns are often called "American Antelopes", they're not true Antelopes.
Are Gazelles endangered?
Some Gazelle species are at risk, but conservation efforts are in place.
What is the main difference between a Gazelle and other Antelopes?
Gazelles are a specific type of Antelope, typically smaller and known for their speed.
Why do Gazelles "pronk" or "stot"?
It's believed to be a way to show fitness and deter predators.
Is there a significant size difference between male and female Antelopes?
In many Antelope species, males are larger and often have larger or more pronounced horns.
Are all Antelopes native to Africa?
While most are native to Africa, some Antelope species are also found in Asia.
What are the main predators of Gazelles?
Gazelles are preyed upon by large predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
What do Gazelles typically eat?
Gazelles are herbivores and mainly graze on grasses, herbs, and shrubs.
Do all Antelopes live in herds?
Many Antelope species are social and live in herds, but the structure and size of the herd can vary.
Are Antelopes and deer the same?
No, while they might look similar, Antelopes and deer belong to different families.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
