Mammals
Red-Fronted Gazelle
Eudorcas rufifrons · also called red-fronted gazelles
Marked by a reddish band running down its face and flanks, a red-fronted gazelle survives thinly scattered across the harsh semi-arid Sahel, one of the least studied gazelle species found anywhere in Africa.
Overview
The red-fronted gazelle, Eudorcas rufifrons, is a semi-arid antelope native to Sahel habitat spanning a wide band of West and Central Africa. Its distinctive reddish facial and flank markings, sparse scattered social structure, and status as one of the least studied gazelle species make it one of the more mysterious antelope found across the region.
A gazelle science still barely knows
While many African gazelle species have been extensively studied and monitored, the red-fronted gazelle remains something of an exception, its remote and thinly populated Sahel range leaving major gaps in even basic population data.
Status
Vulnerable, with populations declining across the Sahel due to habitat degradation, hunting, and competition with livestock.
Red-Fronted Gazelle: common questions
Why is it called the red-fronted gazelle?
This species has a distinctive reddish-brown band running down its face and along the sides of its body, a marking that gives the species its common name.
Why is so little known about the red-fronted gazelle?
This species remains one of the less thoroughly studied gazelle species, with detailed population trends and behaviour still not fully documented across the wide but thinly populated Sahel region it inhabits.
Does the red-fronted gazelle live in large herds?
No, this species typically lives in small, scattered groups rather than the large herds formed by some other gazelle species, reflecting the sparse resources of its semi-arid Sahel habitat.
Do female red-fronted gazelle have horns?
Yes, this species has ridged, lyre-shaped horns present on both males and females, though the horns of males tend to be noticeably thicker.