Description
The Dorcas gazelle is similar in appearance to, yet smaller than, the closely related mountain gazelle (Gazella gazella). Dorcas have longer ears and more strongly curved horns, which bow outwards then turn inwards and forwards at the tips. Individuals belonging to the Saharan subspecies (G. d. osiris) have a very pale, fawn-colored coat. The white underside is bordered with a brown stripe, above which there is a sandy stripe. The forehead and face are darker than the body. Subspecies from north of the Sahara tend to be more ochre in color, and have dark flanks and facial stripes. Populations in Israel and around the Red Sea are darker and more reddish. In the last century, the populations of Dorcas gazelle were partially destroyed in all the countries where it was found.
Currently, large populations of Dorcas gazelles are found in the Negev and the Arava, with other large populations in Sudan, Iraq and the southern part of the eastern desert of Egypt. In Israel, only 1000-1500 gazelles remain.
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