Mammals
Thomson's Gazelle
Eudorcas thomsonii · also called tommie
Bouncing through a stiff-legged jump reminiscent of the far more famous springbok, Thomson’s gazelle moves in vast herds across the Serengeti alongside the wildebeest migration, its bold black side stripe a familiar sight throughout East Africa.
Overview
Thomson’s gazelle, Eudorcas thomsonii, is a small, fast antelope native to savanna and grassland habitat across East Africa. Its stiff-legged jumping display shared with the springbok, bold black side stripe, and central role in the annual Serengeti migration make it one of the most recognisable and ecologically important small antelope found anywhere in East Africa.
A small partner in a massive migration
Despite being far smaller than the wildebeest it travels alongside, Thomson’s gazelle plays a genuine role in the Serengeti’s annual migration, its enormous herds moving in step with the far larger animals that dominate the spectacle.
Status
Near Threatened, having declined in parts of East Africa due to habitat loss and competition with livestock despite remaining common within protected areas.
Thomson's Gazelle: common questions
Does Thomson's gazelle jump like the springbok?
Yes, this species performs a stiff-legged jumping display similar to the springbok's pronking, a behaviour believed to signal fitness to predators watching nearby.
Why is Thomson's gazelle called the tommie?
This species is often nicknamed the tommie, a shortened, affectionate common name used widely by researchers and safari guides across its East African range.
Is Thomson's gazelle part of the Serengeti migration?
Yes, this species forms an important part of the annual Serengeti migration, moving alongside the much larger herds of blue wildebeest and plains zebra that make up the bulk of the movement.
How can you identify Thomson's gazelle?
This species has a bold black stripe running along each side of its body, a distinctive marking that helps distinguish it from similar gazelle species found across the same region.