CONSERVATION OF ARABIAN GAZELLES - Nwrc.gov.sa

- May, 1991: Capture of rheem from Qassim and translocation of 30 individuals to prerelease
pens at Mahazat as-Sayd, and ten individuals to KKWRC to increase the genetic variability of
these two populations. The chromosomal polymorphism is also found in most of the rheem from
Qassim (Vassart et al., 1993).
- May, 1991: First release of a group of 35 rheem from KKWRC in Mahazat as-Sayd
(Haque and Schwede, 1992). The gazelles are monitored by visual sightings and radio-tracking by
Mohammed Haque, an NWRC biologist. The animals seem to cope well with their new environment.
- August, 1991: Commissioning of a genetic laboratory in KKWRC. This laboratory will
focus on gazelle karyology.
1991: A study by Groves et al. (in press), based on skin descriptions and skull
measurements, allows the identification of the small, dark gazelle kept at the NWRC and seen in
many private collections of the Kingdom. This taxon represents a south-western subspecies of C.
gazella, to be called C. g. erlangeri.
- November, 1991: Poachers kill three rheem in Al-Khunfah, raising the problem of the
acceptance of protected areas by local people. Gazelles were traditionally hunted as a major source
of protein in the Arabian peninsula. With the recovery of certain populations, it may be possible to
start a hunting season of gazelles under strict regulations and quotas.
- December, 1991: Four so-called Saudi Dorcas (2.2) are brought to KKWRC from Al Ain
Zoo (Abu Dhabi) in exchange for four rheem from Thumamah.
- 1991-1992: Rangers bring five rheem captured in the wild (old, injured or neonates) in AI­
Khunfah to KKWRC to test their karyotypes. Three other rheem, captured as infants in the north of
the Kingdom and hand-reared, are also karyotyped. The Robertsonian translocation is found in four
wild-caught females (2n=31) and in two males (2n=31; 2n=32), confinning that this polymorphism
probably occurs naturally. The decision to reintroduce animals with different numbers of
chromosomes is taken.
- March, 1992: Visit to Al Wabra estate in Qatar reveals the existence of a group of animals
which are also believed to be afri, the Saudi dorcas gazelle, but which are very different to the ones
from Al Areen and Al Ain. The karyotypes of these animals are identical to those of the Sudanese
dorcas. The afri in the collection of His Excellency Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Thani, owner
of AI Wabra, were obtained in the spring of 1984 from Bedouin at a place called Tareeq Afif on the
old road from Taif to Riyadh. What is the Saudi dorcas
- 1992: Release of the second herd of 37 rheem in Mahazat as-Sayd in March (Haque and
Schwede, 1992). In September, 21 other animals are released. More than 110 rheem are now in the
reserve. The location of nine fawns born in the wild during two reproductive seasons, confirms the
successful start of this reintroduction programme (Haque, pers. comm.).
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