Slender-horned gazelles have a small compact build, with the adults weighing 44–66 lbs. Both males and females have relatively long horns, which are characteristically tall and upright. Gestation in females is around 5.5 months, and twins are not uncommon.
Slender-horned gazelle herds normally consist of 2-5 individuals, but larger herds of 15-25 have been seen. Their habitat is the major sand seas of the Sahara. They travel freely over dunes, finding food, and escaping from threats. They are selective feeders, picking off flowers, fruits, and young leaves from the various species of plants found in their habitat. They likely range over quite large areas depending on the distribution of forage.
Slender-horned gazelles are endangered due to relentless hunting and increased human activity in their ranges, which are currently in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria. The Sahara Conservation Fund is working to protect these areas, as well as investigating potential habitat in other countries such as Niger, Chad, and Sudan.
White Oak recently established breeding herds as part of our ongoing commitment to conservation of some of the earth’s rarest animals.