Observation on the ecology of the mountain gazelle in the Upper Galilee, Israel

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Abstract
Observation of several ecological aspects of the mountain gazelle, G. g. gazella, in the eastern Upper Galilee, Israel, were made over a period of 3 yr. The highest number of gazelles seen in this area was 123 (20/km2), but the more common figure during the 3 yr was around 80 (13/km2). Adult population structure was 7.81 male/10 reproductively mature females during July-Nov. and significantly lower (5.43, P < 0.001) during female pregnancy and early parturition in Jan.-June. Breeding is seasonal and mountain activities occur in Dec.-Jan. and fawning starts in late May with a peak in June. Survival rate of yearlings is low, 0.52/adult female. Females reach sexual maturity when 18 mo. old and have their first fawn at 2 yr of age. Male territoriality was a key factor in reproductive success. The mountain gazelle diet is composed of a large variety of plant species; gazelles choose graze or browse species according to seasonal changes in plant availability and palatability. Grazing is dominant during winter and spring while browsing is more intense during summer and fall. A comparison between 2 moutain gazelle populations that live 80 km apart indicated that under different conditions of water availability growth and reproductive patterns differ markedly.

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