Dama Gazelle

The Dama Gazelle is the largest of its species, and also one of the rarest. Indiscriminate hunting and the destruction of their habitat have endangered their existence. Today it is a protected animal and a breeding program aims to introduce it back into the wild. In this regard, experiments have been carried out in the Souss-Mass National Park (Morocco), where the aim is to release the gazelle into its former range.

A nomadic animal, in winter it migrates in herds ranging from 15 to 20 individuals from the northern region of the Sahara to the Sahel. It feeds on acacia trees and shrubs, rearing up on its hind legs.

These gazelles are social animals, although in the breeding season the males tend to become more territorial and fight among themselves. Males who mark their territory with dung and urine get preference among the group of females

 Gestation lasts about six months, after which they usually give birth to a single calf.

These gazelles move with great elegance, and when trotting or running they raise their front legs very high.