Ecological Distribution, Abundance and Conservation Status of the Three Indigenous Species of Gazelles: Nanger soemmerringii, Gazella dorcas and Eudorcas tilonura in Eritrea

Recurrent droughts and chronic armed conflicts in the Horn of Africa have significantly influenced the abundance and distribution of terrestrial wildlife in the region. This is the case in Eritrea too, During the War of Independence, a large number of wild animals were killed for food, and others were forced to live primarily off the land With the establishment of peace after the independence, remarkable policies and practices were adopted; the intervention had a remarkable contribution to the revival of globally threatened iconic species including the three gazelle species. Populations of the three-gazelle species in some parts of the country are still roaming. However, knowledge of the abundance, ecological niche, status, distribution and habitat selection of the three threatened gazelle species was lacking. To bridge the gap of knowledge this study was carried out in three different geographically separated areas in the country in view of addressing these shortfalls and obtaining data on the existing situation that can support the development of a conservation strategy for the gazelles in particular and for wildlife in general. To assess the distribution of species sample sites were selected in the coastal and mainland areas that are endowed with high gazelle abundance and data were collected seasonally along the established transects through a conventional road strip count method. For each gazelle group or individual sighted, data on location, type of vegetation, and population structure (group size, sex, and age composition) were recorded with GPS. To support direct observation, and for methodological triangulation, interviews and focus group discussions with local peoples were undertaken. According to N-mixture model analyses abundance estimates for each site and species revealed that N. soemmerringii and G. dorcas are more abundant in coastal areas than in the mainland, while a greater abundance of E. tilonura was observed in the sample area Monsura-Duluk than in Kerkebet. Their abundance was significantly affected by climate thus; climate principal components positively correlated with G. dorcas and N. soemmerringii counts. Contrary to the other species, E. tilanura abundance negatively responded to increasing scores. This may reflect an overall higher adaptation of G. dorcas and N. soemmerringii to extreme dry conditions and high temperature whereas E. tilanura appeared to suffer from conditions that were too extreme. Furthermore, a substantial effect on the abundance of the gazelles was also noted from land cover and livestock. Open shrub grassland followed by open grassland were identified as the most preferred habitats and there was no significant difference in seasonal abundance of the gazelles. To assess and evaluate the prevalence of threats and conservation status of the three gazelle species (N. soemmerringii, G. dorcas, and E. tilonura) in Eritrea and eventually to develop a conservation strategy that can mitigate existing threats and ensure the continuous existence of the species. Visual assessment, focal group discussions, and interviews were applied to collect data. The study revealed that the population of the three species of gazelles and their viability remains indeterminate due to the multiple existing threats. Climate change, resource competition, habitat loss, invasive species, and lack of institutional capacity were among the main threats. Interestingly hunting was not recognized as a threat. However, the absence of legally protected areas appears to exacerbate the threats of resource competition and habitat loss. Nevertheless, to tackle the existing challenges and ensure the continuous existence of wildlife, relentless endeavors are ongoing and promising achievements are underway. The study highlights to address the existing threats and eventually secure the wellbeing of the gazelles.