Common name: Arabian Gazelle
Scientific name:Gazella arabica
Family: Bovidae

Size:
Shoulder height: 55–65 cm
Body length: 85–105 cm
Weight: 12–20 kg

Identification:
A small, slender gazelle with a light brown to sandy coat, pale underparts, and a distinct dark stripe along the flanks. Both males and females carry slender, slightly curved horns, with males typically having thicker and longer horns. The face shows subtle dark markings around the eyes and muzzle.

Habitat:
Arid and semi-arid environments including deserts, gravel plains, rocky foothills, and coastal areas. Well adapted to sparse vegetation and harsh climates.

Status in the UAE:
Native. Present in protected areas and reserves; populations are fragmented but locally stable under protection.

Diet:
Herbivorous — feeds on grasses, herbs, leaves, shoots, and shrubs. Can survive long periods without direct water intake by extracting moisture from food.

Behavior:
Alert and fast-moving, relying on agility and speed to escape predators. Mostly active during early morning and late afternoon, resting during peak heat.

Conservation status:
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)