Thomson’s gazelles on the savanna showing their bold black flank stripes, sandy-brown backs, and white underbellies.
Racing Stripes and the Savanna Speedsters
There’s an old race car maxim that is fitting for the Thomson’s gazelle: “Racing stripes make the car go faster because they tell the air which way to go!”
While the Tommy (Eudorcas thomsonii) doesn't really use its markings for aerodynamics, these stripes are essential for a life lived in the fast lane. These iconic gazelles are famous for outrunning cheetahs, but it’s their high-contrast “paint job” that gives them an edge.
What Makes the Stripe Stand Out?
The Tommy’s most defining feature is the bold, horizontal black stripe slicing across its flanks. This dark band creates a sharp divide between its sandy-brown back and bright white belly. But the detail doesn't stop there.
A distinctive white stripe runs from the eye to the nose, underlined by a sharp black streak.
The Tommy’s white rump features short, vertical black streaks that contrast perfectly with their constantly wagging black tails.
Why the Stripes Matter
If the stripes aren't “telling the air which way to go” then what are they doing? Experts suggest these markings do different things.
Part of it may be an anti-glare technology. Much like a football player’s eye black, the dark stripes near their eyes are thought to reduce the sun's glare, helping them spot predators across the shimmering plains.
Another part may be a silent alarm. Gazelles are visual communicators. Because they are generally silent, they use rapid skin contractions to twitch that bold side stripe and alert the herd of a threat.
Finally, there’s the ol’ rump flash: When danger is imminent, they lift their tails to reveal their “white rump,” another beacon that tells the rest of the group exactly which way to bolt.
Extra credit! Stripes are one of the easiest way to tell the Thomson’s gazelle from a Grant’s gazelle. A Tommy is smaller than a Grant in size, and the white rump patch of the Tommy stays below the tail, whereas the Grant’s patch extends above it.
So when you join us on safari and see a herd of these “lightning runners,” remember that those stripes aren't just for show—they’re part of a sophisticated system for the fastest animals on the flats.
Did this pique your interest in the Thomson’s gazelle? If so, check out our post here: “New Life in the Serengeti: Witnessing a Thomson’s Gazelle’s First Steps.”
The face marks of Thomson’s gazelle.
Bible Land Explorers are headed back to Tanzania June 3-13, 2027. Lake Victoria, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, are on our agenda as we photo-hunt big cats, small birds, and everything in-between. We are making reservations now, so let us hear from you! See the link here for brochure and more information or email us at BibleLandExplorer@gmail.com.