CONSERVATION OF ARABIAN GAZELLES - Nwrc.gov.sa

13. Global Antelope Survey, Action Plans and Actions
Chris Hillman
Abstract: The Antelope Specialist Croup (ASC) of lUCN's Species Survival Commission (SSC) was
established in 1978 with the priority of determining the conservation status and trend of antelope
species. Since 1985 the information obtained has been compiled, and 10 date three volumes entitled
"Global Survey and Regional Action Plans" have been produced covering sub-Saharan Africa. Th e
fourth volume will cover North Africa and Asia.
Most country information is qualitative, underlining the urgent need for qUflntitative
antelope data. Limited information on population dynamics indicates a downwards trend for many
species, due to habitat loss, modification and commercial over-utilization for meat. Certain species
are now in a critical state. A further limitation of the information concerns the taxonomy of certain
groups, particularly the gazelle, duiker and hartebeest groups.
Th e ASG is primarily a scientific advisory group, highlighting the need for integration of
action plans for all taxa for geographic and political areas; and identifying areas where
conservation organizations should direct assistance. The onus is upon national governments to carry
out specific aspects of action plans. At present limited information is available and species in need
of allelllion have been identified; limited funds exist, but can rarely be directed efficiently at the
needs ofa species, without the integrated overall environmental management required.
Keywords: ruCN/SSC, ASG, global survey, action plan, conservation, antelope
Introduction
This paper attempts to outline the work and policy of the ruCN Species Survival Commission
Antelope Specialist Group (IUCN/SSC ASG). The infonnation presented relies heavily on the
tremendous work put into the Antelope Specialist Group productions, collated and compiled by Dr
Rod East. These represent much of what is known about antelope at the present time, and contain
specific references and communicators' names and contacts from which the infonnation was amassed.
My own conservation knowledge and work experience is limited to East and north-east Africa and to
antelope in general, but has evolved into concern for the overall environment and man's part in it.
The paper also attempts to address the context of the present meeting with reference to gazelle and
wildlife conservation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Global antelope survey
The Antelope Specialist Group (AS G) was established in 1978, and held its first fonnal meeting in
1980. At this it was decided that the first priority for the group was the determination of the
conservation status and population trends of all antelope species. Hence the Global Survey was
instigated. Simple report fonns were sent out initially to people in the field, and with experience
from various antelope areas; however the main effort did not begin until 1985, when a volunteer - Dr
Rod East of New Zealand, offered his services as compiler. Since that time the three current volumes
of the ASG Global Antelope Survey and Action Plans have appeared (East, 1988; 1989; 1990). They
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