There is still hope for this species, which was considered extinct in its habitat, and BIOPARC has played a prominent role in this with the birth of more than 20 specimens.
Especially in these times we need hopeful news and BIOPARC will not stop in its efforts to achieve a better future. This time, the light is brought by a beautiful species of antelope, possibly the most beautiful of all, the Mhorr gazelle, also known as the Dama gazelle (Nanger dama mhorr). A species whose current existence is totally linked to our country, since it was Professor José Antonio Valverde who, anticipating the tragic end that was looming and with an advanced conservationist vision, decided to transfer a group of gazelles to the Saharan Fauna Rescue Centre (CRFS) of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in the 70s. We now know that thanks to his wise decision, it has not disappeared forever.
Two young females join the male within the international program for their conservation with the aim of achieving a sufficient population to guarantee their salvation, with scientific criteria of controlled breeding.
The scientific criteria for controlled breeding The initiatives that Valverde has already outlined are absolutely necessary to save the most endangered species from extinction and this is the path followed by the specialists of the International Conservation Programmes (EEP) in which BIOPARC participates very actively. Among them, the Mhorr gazelle stands out, since more than 1,000 species have been born in Valencia. 20 specimens of Mhorr gazelle which continues to be classified “critically endangered” by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) on its Red List. This same entity has encouraged the conservation animal parks like BIOPARC to continue this line of collaborative work that aims to obtain a sufficient number of animals to ensure their survival.
The gazelles have adapted well and their first copulations have already been observed.
With the same enthusiasm and even more strength, BIOPARC announces the creation of a New group that will allow the preservation of the Mhorr gazelle to continueTwo young females, one and a half years old, from the Madrid Zoo recently arrived in Valencia and after the first few weeks of adaptation, they can now be seen in the unique outdoor facility that recreates the savannah, a multi-species enclosure where they live with the striking Grey-crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum) and Kirk's Dik-diks (Madoqua kirkii), one of the smallest antelopes in Africa. After the first contacts with the male and under the permanent Observation of the technical animal care team to ensure their well-being The evolution has been excellent and even the first copulations have occurred.
The Mhorr gazelle is a clear example of the essential conservation action both ex situ, in parks such as BIOPARC, and in situ, in their original habitat, where they were once considered extinct. Coordination between specialized centers in Europe, North America and South Africa has allowed there to be around 800 gazelles today, and thanks to this, the reintroduction in several projects in North Africa.The application and maintenance of expert principles in preservation are more valuable than ever to avoid the loss of biodiversity and to be able to announce this truly encouraging news such as the salvation of a species.
