Fauna
Mammal

Chinkara

Gazella bennettii

Also known as Indian Gazelle, Jeend

Chinkara thrive in the arid deserts, scrub forests, and dry grasslands of South Asia, where they can go long periods without drinking water by fulfilling their moisture needs through dew-laden vegetation. Extremely shy and swift, these slender gazelles perform bounding leaps known as stotting to alert herd members of approaching danger. Small group sizes and a buff-red coat help them seamlessly blend into the dry earth and thorn forests they call home.

ShyArid AdaptedFast Runner
Chinkara reference1 / 7
(c) Ramesh Shenai Jr., some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyHerbivorous (grasses, leaves, fallen fruits, and dew-covered foliage)
Predators
  • Leopard
  • Asiatic Cheetah
  • Golden Jackal
ThreatsHabitat loss, agricultural expansion, and illegal hunting
HabitatsArid deserts, dry scrub forests, grasslands, and sand dunes
Life span10–12 years in the wild
Classification
  1. FamilyBovidae
  2. SpeciesGazella bennettii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Keep Distance: Maintain a respectful distance, as they startle easily and flee at high speed.
  • Use Binoculars: Observe from afar in dry habitats to avoid disturbing small grazing herds.
  • Watch Early Morning: Look for activity around dawn when dew on leaves provides vital hydration.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…