Biology

Adapted to life in hot, dry regions, Speke's gazelle feeds in the morning and evening, resting during the hotter parts of the day (4). Around May, the appearance of large numbers of biting tabanid flies force the Speke's gazelle to move towards the coastal dunes, where the flies are dispersed by coastal winds (1). Herds are relatively small, consisting of five to ten individuals (3), though occasionally larger groups will form in response to more abundant grazing (2). Herds are controlled by a territorial male (3), and territories are marked by urination, defecation and scent produced by preorbital glands (2) (6). Seasonal breeders, Speke's gazelles mate during December and January, with the female delivering a single calf around May or June, after a gestation period of five and a half months (6).