Antelopes and gazelles...

[TheHyenid76]

Camera trap photo of 3 dama gazelles (Nanger dama) in Niger. They are among world's most endangered. Credits: Abdoul Razack Moussa Zabeirou. His research on dama gazelle in Niger. His twitter, Linkedin & ResearchGate profile.

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[TheHyenid76]

Saving the last dama gazelles (LINK)

Once widespread throughout the Sahel, the dama gazelle is one of the planet’s most endangered species, with fewer than 200 remaining individuals remaining in the wild.

What are we doing to save dama gazelles?

From two decades of survey and monitoring data, our understanding of dama gazelles and their environments in Niger and Chad has helped inform a global strategy for the conservation of this critically endangered species.
In the process, we facilitated studies on the genetic diversity of dama gazelles, providing specific recommendations for managing focal populations.

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Dama gazelles in the Aïr & Ténéré National Natural Reserve. © Sahara Conservation

In Niger, our efforts are focused on the long-term monitoring and protection of dama gazelles with irreplaceable genetic value inhabiting Mount Takolokouzet, in the Aïr & Ténéré National Natural Reserve (RNNAT). This includes routine surveillance and initiatives with the RNNAT Protected Area Management Unit and local communities to safeguard wildlife.
In 2023, we recorded the highest number of dama gazelles seen in the area since our monitoring began.

*This image is copyright of its original author

Dama gazelles in the Aïr & Ténéré National Natural Reserve. © Sahara Conservation

*This image is copyright of its original author

Camera trap photo in the Aïr & Ténéré National Natural Reserve

Because of the imminent risk of local extinction, we translocated three dama gazelles from the Manga region of Chad to the Ouadi Rimé – Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve to begin an in-situ breeding program in 2020. They were joined by five animals from the reserve that were naturally attracted to enter the protected breeding enclosure to join the Manga group, while five captive bred dama gazelles were contributed by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi.

By the start of 2024, there were 29 dama gazelles in the breeding center, and a trial group of three satellite-collared animals was released into the reserve and soon integrated with the wild population.

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Dama gazelles in OROAFR, Chad. © Sahara Conservation

The future of the dama gazelle relies heavily on safeguarding and growing these populations in Niger and Chad which will continue to be a high priority over the coming years. We are cautiously optimistic with the results. Reply