Procapra
Quick Summary
The genus Procapra includes three species of Asian gazelles: the Tibetan gazelle (P. picticaudata), Przewalski’s gazelle (P. przewalskii), and the Mongolian gazelle (P. gutturosa). The Mongolian gazelle is notably the most numerous of all hoofed mammals, with a population exceeding one million.1
Gazelles, in general, are fleet-footed antelopes adapted to arid environments across Asia and Africa. They possess remarkable adaptations for survival in waterless regions, including the ability to extract moisture from plants, concentrated urine, and efficient moisture extraction from fecal pellets. Their light-colored coats reflect heat, and they can tolerate a significant increase in body temperature.1
While traditionally placed in the genus Gazella, modern taxonomic studies, utilizing genetic analysis, suggest that gazelles may stem from several different ancestors. This has led to the reclassification of some species into new genera such as Nanger and Eudorcas. The term "gazelle" is part of the broader family Bovidae, which also includes cattle, sheep, and goats.12
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