Thomson's gazelle hunting in Tanzania

Thomson’s gazelle, a medium to small sized antelope is often referred to as a ‘’Tommie’’ and may be confused with the larger Grant’s gazelle. When in a mixed group it is easy to see the size difference. The other main distinguishing features between the two species are that Thomson’s gazelles have a large black horizontal stripe across their sides, a white rump patch that extends under the tail and the males have long backward curving thinner horns than the Grant’s gazelle. Thomson’s gazelle occurs in northern Tanzania and Kenya. They may not be hunted in Kenya but are readily hunted as a speciality animal in Masailand and the Maswa region adjoining the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Like all gazelles, Tommies prefer open grasslands, avoiding long grass and dense bush from whence predators are able to stalk them. Although incredibly fast, they do need a little distance to outrun and get away from the biggest threat, which are Cheetah. They are water independent species, mixed feeders and able to extract enough moisture from the plants and leaves they eat to sustain their required moisture intake. Thomson’s gazelle may only be hunted on a minimum of a 7-day license and are classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, no special export permits are required.