Endangered Alert: Antelopes

There are 91 species of antelopes in the world, and according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, over a quarter of these beautiful animals are currently on the verge of extinction.

Most antelopes are found in Africa, although there are some species living in the south-east corner of Europe (Russia), as well as the Middle East and Asia, reaching as far east as China and Mongolia. Although some species of antelope can be found in North America, none of these are native, and have been introduced largely as exotic animals to be hunted.

The main threats facing wild antelopes at the moment are from hunting as well as the destruction of their natural habitat caused by unsustainable harvesting and human encroachment.

The IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group (ASG) is responsible for evaluating the conservation status for all 91 of the worldâ??s antelope species and they report that the Addax (Addax Nasomaculatus) is the species with the highest risk of extinction in the near future.  These large white antelopes live in the Sahara desert, and although they have survived this harsh environment for thousans of years, they are now in danger of dissapearing from the wild forever due to excessive hunting and loss of habitat. The current population of this animal is estimated to be fewer than 300, with most of them living in the small Termit/Tin Toumma region of Niger. These antelopes are listed as critically endangered and it is believed the speciesâ?? population has dropped by more than 80 per cent over the past 21 years.

Another four antelope species which are in the most danger are the Dama Gazelle (Nanger dama), which is also found in the Sahara region of Africa,  the Aders’ Duiker (Cephalophus adersi) which lives in the forests of a tiny coastal area of Kenya, the Hirola (Beatragus hunteri) which lives in a small area between Kenya and Somalia and the weird and wonderful Saiga Antelope (Saiga tatarica) which lives in the foothills of Mongolia and has a highly unusual face.

From delicate and graceful gazelles which dance playfully on the plains of Africa,  to their bulkier cousins in Russia,  these antelopes are worth protecting.

While humans are largely to blame for population declines, it is interesting to note that in India, there are four types of antelope living there, but only one of the species is currently regarded as being threatened. Although there are over a billion people in India, the antelopes are thought to be doing well because traditional hunting and gun ownership are rare in that country.

One species of antelope, the Scimitar Horned Oryx (Oryx dammah) is already extinct in the wild. However, endangered animal groups are trying to reintroduce antelopes bred in captivity back into their natural habitat.

Dr Philippe Chardonnet, Co-Chair of the IUCN Antelope Specialist Group says that as most endangered antelopes live in developing countries, it is crucial to educate local communities on the long term value of saving the species,  and encourage governments to invest in better protection and stricter poaching laws.