Mammals diurnal

Thomson's Gazelle

Eudorcas thomsonii

The Thomson's Gazelle is the iconic sprinter of the African plains, easily recognized by its bold black side-stripe and incredible jumping ability. These social grazers are a masterclass in agility and alertness.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Height at shoulder 22-32 in (55-82 cm); weight 33-77 lb (15-35 kg); length 31-47 in (80-120 cm)

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Colors

Tawny or light brown upper body with a bright white underbelly; distinguished by a bold, thick black stripe running along the side. Both sexes have ringed, S-shaped horns, though males' are larger and thicker.

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Key Features

Bold black horizontal stripe separating brown back from white belly
Ringed, backward-curving horns
White rump patch bordered by black
Frequent, rapid tail twitching

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM

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Season Year-round, following the rains for fresh grass growth

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Diet Primarily a grazer that prefers short, fresh grasses. During the dry season, they may supplement their diet with seeds and foliage from shrubs (browsing).

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Habitat Open grasslands and short-grass savannas; they generally avoid tall grass where predators can hide.

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Behavior

Thomson's Gazelles, affectionately known as 'tommies,' are highly social and energetic animals. They are famous for a behavior called 'stotting' or 'pronking,' where they spring high into the air with all four legs stiff and their back arched. This isn't just for show; it's a signal to predators like cheetahs that the gazelle is fit, alert, and will be difficult to catch, often discouraging a chase before it even begins.

These gazelles are migratory and travel in herds that can range from a dozen to hundreds of individuals. They often associate with wildebeest and zebras during the Great Migration, benefitting from the protection of a larger group. In their social hierarchy, males are territorial and use scent glands near their eyes to mark blades of grass, while females and young move through these territories in search of the best grazing spots.

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Camera Tips

When setting up a camera to capture Thomson's Gazelles, focus on wide-open areas with high visibility. Because these animals avoid tall vegetation to stay clear of predators, your camera should be positioned on the edge of a clearing or near a well-traveled game trail. To get the most intimate footage, mount your camera at a 'gazelle-eye' level—roughly 2 to 3 feet off the ground. This angle captures the distinctive facial markings and the bold black flank stripe much more effectively than a downward-facing mount.

Trigger speed is your biggest challenge with this species. Tommies are incredibly fast and can reach speeds of over 50 mph. Use a camera with a sub-0.3 second trigger speed to avoid getting 'ghost' images or photos of just a disappearing tail. If your camera supports it, 'Burst Mode' or 'Multi-Shot' is highly recommended; catching a gazelle mid-stot is the holy grail of backyard savanna photography, and you'll need multiple frames to ensure one is perfectly timed.

Water is the ultimate lure for Thomson's Gazelles. While they can get some moisture from the grass they eat, they prefer to drink daily. Placing a camera near a watering hole during the dry season will yield the highest volume of captures. Since they are strictly diurnal, you don't need to worry much about infrared flash range, but ensure your camera is positioned with the sun at its back (facing North or South) to prevent the harsh equatorial sun from washing out the white sections of their coat.

Lastly, consider the season. During the rainy season, herds are more dispersed. During the dry season, they congregate around permanent water sources and 'lawns' of short grass. If you are using a camera in a fixed location, check for signs of fresh dung middens—males use these to mark their territory, and they will return to the same spot repeatedly, making it a prime location for a consistent camera setup.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Thomson's Gazelle.

Grant's Gazelle

Larger in size; the white patch on its rump extends above the base of the tail onto the back.

Impala

Lacks the black side stripe and has a characteristic black 'M' shape on its rear.

Red-fronted Gazelle

Very similar but found in the Sahel region; it has a much thinner and lighter side stripe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thomson's Gazelle are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. Their peak activity occurs in the cool hours of the early morning and late afternoon, while they often rest in the shade during the hottest part of midday.

The most effective way to attract Thomson's Gazelle is by providing a water source or placing your camera near a natural watering hole. They are also attracted to mineral or salt licks, which provide essential nutrients not found in grass.

They are primarily grazers that eat short grasses. However, they are opportunistic and will browse on the leaves of shrubs, seeds, and clover, especially during the dry season when green grass is scarce.

No, they are not typical suburban animals. They are native to the savannas and open plains of East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania). However, they can sometimes be found on the outskirts of rural settlements or on large private conservancies.

The easiest way to tell them apart is by the rump: on a Thomson's Gazelle, the white patch ends at the tail, whereas on a Grant's Gazelle, the white patch extends above the tail onto the back. Also, Thomson's are smaller and have a much more pronounced black stripe on their side.

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