CONSERVATION OF ARABIAN GAZELLES - Nwrc.gov.sa

Good management of capti ve stocks requires a sophisticated understanding and application of
the principles of taxonomy and genetic management, which cannot realistically be expected from the
many private animal collections in the Gulf region. Because many of these collections could contain
valuable genetic resources for gazelle conservation, there is an urgent need 10 devise ways of
screening them and encouraging and assisting their owners to maintain the conservation value of the
animals in their custody.
Although the role of captive breeding in gazelle conservation is an imponant and interesting
subject, it is vital to remember that there are compelling reasons fo r giving priori ty to in situ
conservation of surviving free-ranging popUlations. The extent 10 which biodiversity can be
replenished by reintroduction and reslOration is subject 10 clear financial, practical and theoretical
limits which preclude the possibility of ever recreating the past. Protecting intact habitats and their
resident fau na is therefore not only the most efficient way of conserving diversity, but also the only
defence against its continuous erosion.
Acknowledgements
We thank Prof. Abdulaziz Abuzinada, Secretary General of the NCWCD, for authorizing the holding
of this workshop and thu s providing the stimulus 10 undenake this review.
References
Harrison, D.L., and Bates, PJ.J. 1991. The Mammnls of Arabia. Harrison Zoological Museum,
Sevenoaks, United Kingdom.
Thouless, C.R., Grainger, J.G. , Shobrak, M., and Habibi, K. 1991. Conservation Status of GazeUes in
! Saudi Arabia. Biological Conservation, 58: 85-98.