Hobbies And Interests
Facts and Figures
The Cuvier's gazelle inhabits a variety of habitats, including grassland and forest. In total, the population numbers about 2,500 individuals. This is divided into numerous isolated subpopulations in Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco and Western Sahara. None of these is thought to number more than about 250 adult animals. The Cuvier's gazelle inhabits a variety of habitats in mountainous regions of northwest Africa, including grassland and forest. Despite its adaptability, this once-widespread gazelle has been rare since the early part of the 20th century.
Hunting
The initial decline of the Cuvier's gazelle appears to have come primarily from large-scale hunting. The species was targeted for its meat, skins and as a trophy. Hunting became illegal during the 20th century. Poaching still occurs but not on the same scale.
Habitat Loss
Loss of habitat to agriculture and logging for charcoal is an ongoing threat. The various habitats of the Cuvier's gazelle are also highly susceptible to overgrazing from livestock. Once the vegetation is removed it cannot recover quickly, if at all.
Introduced Species
Cuvier's gazelles compete for food with domestic grazing animals such as sheep and goats. Dogs are a major threat, especially to juvenile gazelles. Dogs, in fact, are the reason one reintroduction effort in Morocco failed.
Protection Efforts
Cuvier's gazelles are legally protected. Proactive initiatives to restore the populations have been ongoing since the late 20th century, including designation of nature reserves and reintroduction of captive-bred gazelles. Morocco has a fenced enclosure of reintroduced animals in Toubkal National Park, to keep out dogs. The Center for Saharan Fauna in Almeria in Spain maintains the primary captive herd, and there are numerous other individuals scattered across zoos and wildlife parks worldwide.