Przewalski's Gazelle 



195 



and extending southwards into Northern Kansu and Orclos. A description 

 of its habits will be found in the English translation of Przewalski's 

 Mongolia, where it was regarded as identical with the Tibetan goa. It has 

 also been hunted by Prince Demidoff and Mr. St. George Littledale, to the 

 latter of whom the British Museum is indebted for its first example of the 

 species. 



According to Przewalski's account, these gazelles are always found in 

 herds, which in localities where food is abundant may comprise hundreds 

 or even thousands of individuals, although more 

 commonly the number ranges between thirty and 

 forty. In search of the best pasture, they frequently 

 travel long distances in summer, while the snows 

 of winter compel equally long migrations in order 

 to reach open ground. Although at times attracted 

 by the succulent grass which in spring grows on 

 the undulating portions of the steppes, these gazelles 

 avoid hilly ground, and are essentially denizens of 

 the open plains, shunning the covert ot either 

 bushes or tall grass, except during May, when the 

 does seek such situations in order to drop their 

 fawns. It is, however, but a short time that the Fig. 44.— Skull and Horns of 



, . , . Male Przewalski's Gazelle. 



latter require such protection, and in a tew days p^„„, ^ specimen shot by 

 they are strong enough to run with the herd. 5'"nce Demidoff. 

 Like all desert animals, these gazelles are endowed with great speed, as 

 well as with acute sight, smell, and hearing. 



