If you’ve ever seen either a gazelle or an antelope, you might be scratching your head, wondering how to tell the two apart. On a general inspection, you wouldn’t be blamed for thinking that they both look similar. Especially if they are a young calf or fawn – you’d likely ask yourself, gazelle vs. antelope – which one is it? But we’re here to give you a definitive outline of each to avoid any future misunderstandings. Plus, it will make you look good knowing you can point each one out.

Gazelle Vs. Antelope

Read on to learn more about these two majestic species.

Overview of Gazelle

Put simply, all gazelles are antelopes, but not all antelopes are gazelles. More specifically, a gazelle is a genus of antelope, so they are related in classification but distinct in species. You can identify them by their silky tan coats and display patterns of stripes and spots. They also bear ring-shaped horns and are usually found in places such as Asia and China. Additionally, they can be found from the Horn of Africa all the way to Tanzania. Their diet consists of plant leaves and stems, as they’re not as dependent on water as other species are. These animals are also quite agile, allowing them to escape predators such as cheetahs and even pythons. Gazelles have two toes encased in hooves, which is useful for bouncing or slotting out of danger. These animals are part of the gazelle group:
  • Thomson’s Gazelle
  • Grant’s Gazelle
  • Gerenuk
  • Steenbok
  • Oribi
  • Springbok
  • Dik-dik (the smallest, by the way!)
Two dik-diks standing in the sand.

Overview of Antelope

In comparison to gazelles, antelopes have even toes, smooth hair, and generally more straight-looking horns. Most male antelopes have horns, while only two-thirds of female antelopes do. Antelopes are larger in body size than gazelles, making them slightly slower. Their diet differs slightly as well—some species of antelopes consume small birds, mammals, and insects. During dry periods, when food contains less than 40% moisture, an antelope will drink around 2.8 liters of water daily. However, they can also obtain moisture from grass, leaves, or mulch. These animals belong to the antelope family:
  • Impala
  • Oryx
  • Eland
  • Waterbuck
  • Wildebeest
  • Kudu
  • Duiker
  • Klipspringer
  • Bushbuck
  • Hartebeest
  • Topi
  • Sable Antelope
  • All gazelles
You can often find different antelope species in various regions of Africa and Europe. With 91 different species of antelope, it’s understandable if you struggle to tell them apart. And who knows, maybe you’ll even spot a unicorn 😉 Lesser Kudu in green grass with one horn in Tanzania.

Do They Have Any Similarities?

Now that you understand the differences, let’s explore the similarities between gazelles and antelopes. The most common reason people confuse them is that both belong to the bovid family, a broad category of hoofed mammals. Both are primarily herbivores, though some species, like the duiker, can be omnivorous depending on food availability. Another similarity is their social behavior—both gazelles and antelopes tend to travel in groups, sometimes numbering up to 700 members. However, some antelope species form even larger herds during annual migrations, reaching thousands in number.

Conclusion

If you watch a gazelle escaping danger, you’ll notice how they leap or slot to alert others in their group—or use it as an evasive maneuver. This movement is also seen during mating season. Interestingly, antelopes can inhabit diverse environments, including deserts, cold tundras, and coastal areas. Some gazelles, like the Tibetan Gazelle, live in high mountain meadows, while others thrive in dry desert regions. And if you want to see gazelles and antelopes with your own eyes, look no further! Contact I Artist Adventure today and book the safari of a lifetime with us.