NOTES ON AGEING CRITERIA AND REPRODUCTION OF THOMSON'S GAZELLE

Data collected from 265 cropped Thomson's gazelle in northern Tanzania have permitted development of ageing criteria based on weights, horn growth and dentition. Most deciduous teeth are replaced between 12 and 15 months of age and the third molar becomes fully functional at nearly 2 y. Asymptotic horn length of about 32 cm is reached by males at 20–24 months. Dressed carcass weights were about 60 per cent of live weights, being slightly higher in males and higher in January than February. Females are capable of breeding before 1 y. Only single foetuses were found and these only in the right uterine horn. There was evidence of lambing every month but with May and November peaks.