Mhorr Gazelle
Gazella dama mhorr
WILD STATUS
Extinct in the wild. Currently, there are about 370 Mhorr Gazelle in the world. They are descendants from 11 wild caught animals. They were the last known wild Mhorr Gazelles.
Extinct in the wild. Currently, there are about 370 Mhorr Gazelle in the world. They are descendants from 11 wild caught animals. They were the last known wild Mhorr Gazelles.
DISTRIBUTION
Extinct in the wild, former range was the sub-saharan desert (Sahel) of south west Morocco and Senegal.
SIZE
Height from 91-122 cm (3-4’).
Weight between 40-75 kg (88-165 lbs)
HABITAT
Mhorr Gazelles inhabit desert and adjoining arid areas with sparse vegetation, including Saharan habitat.
REPRODUCTION
A single calf born after a 198 day gestation period. Births take place at the beginning of the rainy season.
DIET
Mhorr Gazelles are mainly grazers and also browse on shrubs, succulents, herbs and the spiny acacia tree.
A single calf born after a 198 day gestation period. Births take place at the beginning of the rainy season.
DIET
Mhorr Gazelles are mainly grazers and also browse on shrubs, succulents, herbs and the spiny acacia tree.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
- Mhorr Gazelles are one of the rarest mammals in the world.
- Their two-tone colouration called “Counter Shading” with rich rust coloured backs and legs contrasting with a white belly to reflect heat.
- When playing or alarmed, they exhibit stotting gaits, bounding along with all four feet landing together.
- In 1971, the World Wildlife Fund and other groups, established a private reserve for Mhorr Gazelles in Spain. This group was thought to be the last surviving animals. The possibility of disease or disaster wiping out the entire population prompted conservationists to divide the herd and place them in several locations.
- Motorized hunting in the Sahara is the main reason for the decline of this species. Other reasons include habitat becoming drier due to climate change, overgrazing by domesticated stock, and human destruction of tree cover for firewood.
- The mother Mhorr Gazelle will leave her baby on the ground for long periods while she searches for food within viewing distance. The baby lies perfectly still and its sandy camouflage coat takes on the appearance of sand or a small rock. The mother will call the baby out of the hiding spot and will clean it and feed it in a different location. This technique, common to all our gazelle species, disperses any scent that may attract predators.
HABITAT RANGE
ANIMAL FACT SHEET
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