Conservación de especies Sahelo-Saharianas

Gazelles, antelopes and other Sahelo-Saharan especies.

Sahelo-Saharan species conservation

Conservation and reintroduction of gazelles, antelopes, and other Sahelo-Saharan species

Since 2007, CBD-Habitat Foundation has collaborated with the “Association Nature Initiative” (Dakhla), the “High Commission for Water and Forests and the Fight against Desertification” (HCEFLCD) in Morocco, and researchers from the “Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas” (CSIC, Almería) on “in situ” conservation projects and the reintroduction of Saharan gazelles, with the goal of preserving the last populations of wild ungulates and reintroducing locally extinct species into their natural habitat.

Within this collaborative framework, a 600-hectare acclimatization station was built in the Safia region (Aousserd Province), which is home to extinct in the wild species, such as the mohor gazelle (Nanger dama mhorr), the addax antelope (Addax nasomaculatus), and the red-necked ostrich (Struthio camelus camelus). In addition, a surveillance system against poaching was established in the region in order to ensure the effective reintroduction of these species and the protection of the last free populations of the Saharawi dorcas gazelle (Gazella dorcas neglecta).

The project will contribute to the improvement of these species’ conservation status.

CORE ACTIONS

  • Collaboration agreements with local agencies and shepherds.

    The participation and collaboration of the local population is essential to the successful implementation of the project.

  • Surveillance patrol unit to combat poaching and monitor native and reintroduced species.

    Poaching is still the primary obstacle for the conservation of native specie

  • Acclimatization station for extinct in the wild species.

  • Awareness campaigns for schoolchildren and the general public.

Scope of action and facilities

Within this collaborative framework, a 600-hectare acclimatization station was built in the Safia region (Aousserd Province)

Goals

  • Collaboration with organizations and local conservation entities.
  • Reintroduction of extinct in the wild Saharan wildlife.
  • Surveillance and fight against poaching of the remaining free populations.
  • Awareness and information dissemination.