At a glance
- IUCN category
- CR · Critically Endangered
- Animal group
- Mammals
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The dama gazelle is the largest gazelle and one of the most endangered, a tall, long-necked antelope of the Sahara. It is assessed as Critically Endangered.
Only small remnant groups survive in the wild.
Range & habitat
The Sahara and Sahel of North Africa, now in tiny remnant populations.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Uncontrolled hunting
- Habitat loss and drought
- A tiny, fragmented population
Why it matters
The largest gazelle and now barely clinging on in the wild, the dama gazelle is a stark indicator of how heavily Saharan wildlife has been hunted.
Sources
Sources for Dama Gazelle
- IUCN Red List — look up Dama Gazelle (authoritative status)
- Animal Diversity Web
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the dama gazelle distinctive?
It is the largest gazelle, with long legs and neck and a mostly white body with a reddish-brown back and neck, suited to the open Sahara and Sahel.
Why is the dama gazelle Critically Endangered?
Published assessments cite uncontrolled hunting, habitat loss and drought, and a tiny fragmented population. See the IUCN Red List.
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