Slender-horned gazelle
The Slender-horned gazelle is of special importance to conservation of Saharan wildlife because it is endemic to the region and associated primarily with classic dune habitats.
The slender-horned gazelle is the palest gazelle of the Sahara. It has a compact build, and pale creamy tone to the sandy brown body color, separated from the white underside by a darker flank band. Both males and females have relatively long horns which are characteristically tall and upright.
The gestation is around 5.5 months. Twins are reported and it is probable that females adjust reproductive efforts to conditions, between periods of drought and plenty.
They are selective feeders, picking off flowers, fruits, and young leaves.
Slender-horned gazelles are particularly attracted to large sand sea areas where the wave patterns of the larger dunes allow the formation of gravel basins and flat plains of varying sizes in between them.
ID card
Scientific name:
Gazella leptoceros
IUCN Red list status :
Endangered
How many left in the wild:
Current estimations are between 300 and 600. It is highly unlikely that the remaining population numbers more than a few hundred.
Geographic distribution:
The known distribution is patchy. In recent years, slender-horned gazelle have only been reported with certainty in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria. The species has disappeared from most of its former range in Egypt’s Western Desert, and there are no confirmed records since about 2004.
Threats and challenges
The species is threatened by relentless hunting and has become especially vulnerable to the widespread use of all-terrain vehicles, quads, and motorbikes. Conservation efforts are significantly hampered by security issues in many areas.
Informal reports suggest slender-horned gazelles are the target of a low-level general demand for gazelle meat, which is periodically accelerated in association with special occasions.
