Once one of the most numerous and widespread Saharan gazelles, this antelope is the largest of the gazelles. Extinct in much of its range, the Addra is now an endangered species living in small herds of 10-20 individuals. During the wet season, they migrate to the Sahara where they can aggregate in herds of several hundred. In the dry season they return to the Sahel or dry land of Africa and their smaller groupings.

Hunting has been the major cause of decline especially after the introduction of motorized vehicles and high powered rifles. Addra habitat has also become much drier in recent years ue to climate change. Overgrazing by livestock has also contributed to habitat decline.

The Addra gazelle is diurnal and requires more water than its desert neighbors, although they can survive long periods of drought. They are highly nomadic, ranging widely in search of food and water. They may stand on their hind legs like gerenuk in order to reach leaves above normal browsing height.

Addra Gazelle

Gazella dama ruficolis