About Nanger soemmerringii (Cretzschmar, 1828)
Soemmerring's gazelle, scientifically named Nanger soemmerringii (Cretzschmar, 1828), is a tall gazelle species. It has tan flanks that gradually turn white on the belly, and long black horns. Individuals stand 75–90 cm (2.5–3.0 ft) tall at the shoulder, and weigh 35–45 kg (77–99 lb). The outward appearance of Soemmerring's gazelle is so similar to Grant's gazelle that the two species are often mistaken for each other in regions where their ranges overlap. Soemmerring's gazelle is native to the Horn of Africa, and is found in Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia and South Sudan. It is extinct in Sudan. This species inhabits open brush- and acacia-covered steppes, as well as sparsely treed steppes. A population of Soemmerring's gazelle became isolated on Dahlak Kebir island in the Dahlak Archipelago at some point in history, and this isolated population developed into a dwarf form of the larger mainland races. Scientists suggest that male Soemmerring's gazelles are temporarily territorial. The maximum recorded lifespan of this species is 14 years.
