Indian gazelle

The Indian gazelle, also known as the chinkara (Gazella bennetti), is a species of gazelle found in the deserts of India and Pakistan. Gazelles are fleet, medium-sized antelopes with slender limbs and level backs. They are typically tan with white underparts and rump, a dark side stripe, and distinct facial markings.1

Gazelles are well-adapted to arid environments, able to survive without drinking water by extracting moisture from plants. They have specialized feeding habits, consuming the most nutritious vegetation. Their physiological adaptations include concentrated urine, moisture extraction from fecal pellets, light-colored coats, and the ability to tolerate increased body temperature.1

While traditionally classified under the genus Gazella, modern genetic studies suggest gazelles may have multiple ancestors, leading to reclassifications into different genera like Nanger and Eudorcas. The Gazella genus now includes species found in both Africa and Asia.1