Gazelle

Gazelle is derived from French gazelle, Old French gazel, probably via Old Spanish gacel, probably from North African pronunciation of ', Maghrebi pronunciation '. To Europe it first came to Old Spanish and Old French, The Arab people traditionally hunted the gazelle. Later appreciated for its grace, however, it became a symbol most commonly associated in Arabic literature with human beauty. ==Species==

The gazelles are divided into three genera and numerous species. Prehistoric species Fossils of genus Gazella are found in Miocene, Pliocene and Pleistocene deposits of Eurasia and Africa, which occupuied a broader distribution that modern members of the genus. The earliest members of the genus are known from the Middle Miocene of Africa, around 14 million years ago with members of the genus inhabiting Europe from the Late Miocene until their extinction in the region during the Early Pleistocene around 1.8 million years ago. • Genus Gazella • Gazella borbonica - Early Pleistocene Europe • Gazella capricornis - Miocene Asia • Gazella harmonae - Pliocene of Ethiopia, unusual spiral horns • Gazella praethomsoni - Pliocene Africa • Gazella thomasi - Thomas's gazelle • Gazella vanhoepeni - Pliocene Africa • Subgenus Vetagazella • Gazella altidens • Gazella blacki - Pliocene Asia • Gazella deperdita - Late Miocene Europe • Gazella dorcadoides - Middle Miocene Asia • Gazella gaudryi - Middle Miocene Eurasia • Gazella kueitensis - Pliocene Asia • Gazella lydekkeri - Mid to Late Miocene Asia • Gazella parasinensis - Pliocene Asia • Gazella praegaudryi - Pleistocene Africa • Gazella sinensis - Pliocene Asia • Gazella brianus - Pliocene Asia • Subgenus Trachelocele • Gazella atlantica - Pleistocene Africa • Gazella tingitana - Pleistocene Africa • Subgenus Deprezia • Gazella psolea - Pliocene Africa ==In culture==

Symbolism The gazelle, like the antelope to which it is related, is the totem of many African families. Some examples include the Joof family of the Senegambia region, the Bagananoa of Botswana in Southern Africa (said to be descended from the BaHurutshe), and the Eraraka (or Erarak) clan of Uganda. As is common in many African societies, it is forbidden for the Joof or Eraraka to kill or touch the family totem. It is related that the Caliph Abd al-Malik (646–705) freed a gazelle that he had captured because of her resemblance to his beloved: The theme is found in the ancient Hebrew Song of Songs. (8:14) ==Gallery==

File:Grants Gazelle Gazella granti in Tanzania 2645 Nevit.jpg|Grant's gazelle (male) File:Gazella dama mhorr 2.jpg|Mhorr gazelle File:Cuvier's Gazelle.jpg|Cuvier's gazelle (female) File:Gazella thomsonii - Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Orlando, Florida, USA - 20100916.jpg|Thomson's gazelle (male) File:Gazella spekei (Speke's Gazelle).jpg|Speke's gazelle (female) File:Group of Gazella subgutturosa.JPG|Goitered gazelle (females and young) File:Chinkara.jpg|Chinkara (female) File:Gazella-dorcas.jpg|Dorcas gazelle (female) File:Gazella rufifrons AB.jpg|Red-fronted gazelle File:Gazella gazella.jpg|Mountain gazelle (male) File:GazellaSoemmerringiWolf.jpg|Soemmerring's gazelle (females) File:Slender-horned gazelle (Cincinnati Zoo).jpg|Slender-horned gazelle (male) File:Granada Alhambra gazelle Poterie 9019.JPG|Gazelles on one of the vases made for the Alhambra palace ==References==