Chinkara

The Chinkara is also known as the Indian Gazelle and is a gazelle species native to the countries of India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. These black-horned gazelles have acclimatized to the dry and sandy weather of these countries and are able to thrive in the desert. Their bodies can save their body’s metabolic water and help them in times where there is no access to water.

Physical Characteristics

The Chinkara has sandy yellow to red colored fur with a pale white underbelly. The sides of its face have dark stripes which begin from the corner of the eyes all the way to its muzzle, which are bordered by white stripes. Chinkara have straight horns with prominent rings and out-turned tips. In this species, both males and females have horns but the horns of females are much shorter in length. This is why it is difficult to distinguish between females and young-adult males due to the length of their horns. In males the horns can grow up to an average of 25.6 cm in length, whereas the female horns are half the length at an average of 18.7 cm, are less wide and have less prominent rings. A fully grown Chinkara can grow up to 2.9 to 3.9 ft. in length and weigh anywhere from 20 to 25 kg.

Habitat and Distribution

The Indian Gazelle or the Gazella benetti is prominently found in the northwestern region of India, in Rajasthan, near its Thar Desert. Their range includes from central India to all the way to north-central Iran. Chinkara are able to survive in a variety of habitats, such as dry deciduous forests, open woodlands, dry sand dunes, arid deserts, and valleys who receive minimal rains. They can survive long periods without water due to their body’s function of conserving metabolic water and taking moisture from the vegetation they feed on.

Diet

Chinkara are herbivorous creatures that prefer browsing more than grazing which means they feed on the growing parts of plants such as the leaves, shoots, barks, shrubs, and fruits, instead of grass and low-growing plants. Their diet includes bushes and trees that are found in mountain ranges and deciduous forests.

Reproduction and Lifespan

For the Chinkaras there are 2 main breeding seasons, the first happens at the end of the monsoon season from late August to early October and the second which happens from March to the end of April. With a gestation period of 5 to 5.5 months, the female chinkaras give birth to 1 offspring but twins have also been reported. After being weaned at 2 months of age, the fawn stays with their mother for 12 months.

Chinkaras are noted to have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Behavior and Social Structure

Chinkaras are shy creatures who tend to stay away from human habitation. They have nocturnal eating habits and prefer to feed just before sunset and through the night. Chinkaras can usually be found alone or in groups of 3, generally with mother and her offspring. Large groups of Chinkaras are less common. When they are alarmed, they stamp their feet on the ground and emit a hiss-like sound and when threatened they can take huge leaps with all feet in the air to escape, hence they are also said to be similar to a ballerina.

Conservation Efforts

According to the IUCN’s Red list, Chinkara is considered to be of least concern. But just like all wildlife, a constant threat still remains. Chinkara are mainly hunted for their meat and for trophies. They are at a risk due to the loss of habitat because of agricultural and industrial expansion, and overgrazing. Chinkaras are important for their role in the ecosystem for being efficient seed dispersers. The Chinkara of the country currently thrive in the Thar Desert and in the many protected parks and sanctuaries of the country.

Amazing Facts about Chinkara

• In Chinkaras, both the male and female species have horns unlike other species of deer.
• Chinkaras can go months without ingesting water and can survive by getting enough moisture from vegetation and fruits that it consumes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Chinkaras have horns?

In Chinkaras, both males and females have horns but the horns of females are much shorter in length.

Are Chinkaras endangered?

According to the IUCN’s Red list, Chinkara is considered to be of least concern. But just like all wildlife, a constant threat still remains.

Where can I see Chinkaras in India?

The Chinkara can be found in the following protected areas:

• Ranthambore National Park
• Bandhavgarh National Park
• Kanha National Park
• Yadahalli Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary
• Desert National Park

Where else do Chinkara exist apart from India?

The Chinkara is also native to the countries of Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan.

Who are the primary predators of Chinkara?

The primary predators of Chinkara are the Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions and dholes.

How can we recognise Chinkara among other deer?

Chinkaras can be recognised by their sandy yellow to red colored fur and pale white underbelly. The sides of its face have dark stripes which begin from the corner of the eyes all the way to its muzzle, which are bordered by white stripes. Chinkara have straight horns with prominent rings and out-turned tips.