Why Do Gazelles Stot (Pronk) When Fleeing?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do gazelles stot (pronk) when fleeing?

The Big Idea

Gazelles stot, or pronk, when fleeing because it is a message to the hunter! The bouncy jumps say, I'm healthy and fast, so don't waste your time. Often, the hunter gives up.

Stiff Bounces

Step one: stiff bounces. A gazelle sometimes bounces on stiff legs, with all four feet leaving the ground at once. This is called stotting, or pronking.

A Message

Step two: a message. Scientists think it tells a predator, I'm healthy and fast, so don't waste your time. When a gazelle can jump that high, the predator often gives up.

A Warning

Step three: a warning. Stotting can also warn other gazelles in the herd that danger is near, so they can get ready to run. It costs energy, so only strong gazelles can do it well.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The gazelle sees a predator far away. It jumps high on stiff legs. The jump sends a message. The predator decides it is not worth the chase. Safe and sound, thanks to a bounce.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Stotting costs energy, so only strong gazelles can do it well. Gazelles can run as fast as about 50 miles an hour. Some gazelles live in the grasslands of Africa and Asia. Wild animals are best watched from a distance, with a grown-up.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! On a soft rug, try five stiff-legged hops with both feet. Stop if you feel tired. How hard was it? A gazelle in danger still manages it while running.

Outro

Gazelles bounce to show they are strong and fast. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!