New book published – “The dama gazelles: last members of a critically endangered species”

A new book on the Critically Endangered dama gazelle has been published by Texas A&M University Press, with contributions from Marwell Wildlife on how best to conserve the European zoo population of dama gazelle to ensure a future for the species.

Dama gazelles, the largest of the gazelles, were once a common sight in Northern Africa. Today, these animals are critically endangered as their populations have dropped precipitously due to the effects of expanding agricultural practices, overhunting, human conflict, and climate change.

Though they are perilously close to extinction in the wild, Texas ranches maintain over a thousand dama gazelles—more than the combined number currently in zoos and in the wild.

In The Dama Gazelles, Elizabeth Cary Mungall brings together experts from around the world and offers a comprehensive reference book on these animals. Chapters include information on natural history and taxonomy; physical and behavioural traits; dama gazelles held in zoos and collections, parks and preserves, and on private ranches; and efforts to reintroduce populations into the wild. Detailed appendices and a glossary provide easily accessible additional information to help researchers, zookeepers, and landowners better understand and conserve dama gazelles now and into the future.