CC BY 4.0
Grant's gazelle
Nanger granti notata, 1909
About the object
In the case of this specimen, only the core of bone protruding from the skull plate has survived. The hollow casing, namely the horns, are no longer affixed. It is very difficult to ascertain the species and the gender without the horns present, as the cranium alone provides insufficient information. It is hence impossible to rule out whether this specimen belonged to a female Grant’s gazelle or, alternatively, a related species of antelope.
The term gazelle refers to medium-sized, long-necked antelopes with slim legs and straight backs. Most gazelles have a beige coat with a white belly and richly contrasting, black and white markings on their faces. They can be found in China, the Arabian Peninsula, as well as north and east Africa. These bovids have adapted to the arid climates of the steppes, savannahs, semi-desert and desert. Through their slender muzzles, they are able to search for the most nutrient-dense foods, from which they draw most of their nutrients. They avoid extreme heat and predominantly eat during the night and the early hours of the morning when the plants contain most moisture. Gazelles are able to tolerate a rise in body temperature of up to 5° C without coming to harm.