Dorcas gazelles are slender and light — they weigh about the same as a large dog, around 15–20 kilograms. Their long legs are built for speed, and when they sense danger they can sprint at up to 80 kilometres per hour and leap high into the air in a special bouncing run called 'stotting'. Scientists think stotting shows predators that the gazelle is fit and healthy — and not worth chasing.
Both males and females grow horns, which is unusual among antelopes. The horns curve backwards like two lyre strings and can grow up to 35 centimetres long. In the early morning, small groups of dorcas gazelles graze together on dry grasses, herbs, and the leaves of low bushes, moving slowly and flicking their ears at any sound.
Dorcas gazelles are one of the most widespread gazelle species in the Middle East and North Africa. Their sandy colouring blends perfectly into rocky desert landscapes, and their large eyes are set wide apart on their head so they can see almost all the way around without turning. A herd resting in shade is almost invisible until one animal flicks its tail.