CONSERVATION OF ARABIAN GAZELLES - Nwrc.gov.sa

management efforts, whether management involves captive breeding or the translocation of animals
between geographically-distant populations (Robinson and Elder, 1992).
The application of chromosomal studies to conservation efforts for gazelles involving captive
breeding has been discussed by Ryder (1987) and Benirschke and Kumamoto (1991). For example,
the poor reproduction of captive G. soemmerringi is believed to be due to the "incompatibility" of
different chromosomal cytotypes. As a result of the difficulty in identifying gazelle taxa,
conservation programmes involving captive breeding have occasionally produced hybrids by
unwittingly grouping individuals representing different species or subspecies. The captive population
of G. subgutturosa marica in the United States was originally believed to represent G. gazella, and
clarification of the taxonomic status of these gazelles was aided by chromosomal study (Kings wood
and Kumamoto, 1988).
Most of our knowledge regarding chromosomal evolution in gazelles has been obtained from
the study of a few specimens in captivity. The small sample sizes of these studies have probably not
demonstrated the full range of chromosomal variation present in wild populations. Given the human
threats to gazelle populations and the importance of cytogenetics in the identification and
conservation of biological diversity, we believe it is important to document the karyology of alJ
natural populations of gazelles.
Acknowledgements
Suellen Charter and Marlys Houck have given much toward the chromosomal studies of gazelles at
the Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species, and the Zoological Society of San Diego has
facilitated these efforts through its ongoing support of gazelle conservation and research. For the
opportunity to participate in the workshop "Establishing priorities for gazelle conservation in the
Arabian Peninsula", we thank the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development
of Saudi Arabia, particularly Prof. Abdulaziz Abuzinada, Arnaud Greth, Douglas Williamson, and
Youssef Al-Wetaid. Marc Vassart, Arnaud Greth, and Wilhelmus Rebholz gave helpful suggestions
to improve the manuscript.
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