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Desert Gazelles
Gazelles can be found in the not-so-rocky places of the desert. Some of them even live among the sand dunes! In the daytime, when it is very hot, gazelles find shade to escape the desert sun. Some even hide in holes in the ground! They feed when it is cooler, probably in the morning and evening. Desert gazelles rarely drink because they get enough moisture from the plants they eat. SPECIAL SURVIVAL TRICK The body temperature of a gazelle may rise when it is very hot. But... the brain is very easily damaged if it gets too hot. What can the gazelle do about it? Well, there are some special blood vessels in the head that are arranged in a special order. This network of blood vessels helps to keep the brain 5.5 degrees Fahrenheit lower than the body. The brain would not feel too hot and it would not be damaged. Very clever, eh?
Dorcas Gazelle These gazelles live in the deserts of North America, the Middle East, Pakistan and India. They usually live in places with more vegetation. The Dorcas gazelle lives in small herds of about 50. When a female gazelle gives birth, she finds a place that is separated from the herd. Gazelles often have twin babies. If they are unprotected, these babies will become a tasty treat for the eagles, caracals and hyenas!
[ A gazelle ]
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