Order: Artiodactyla Family: Bovidae

The Dama or Addra Gazelle is the largest of the gazelles,

standing between 34- 42 in. (88-108 cm) at the shoulder. It
was previously classied in the genus Gazella but taxonomist
has separated the dama along with the Grant's Gazelle and
the Soemmering's Gazelle to a new genus. There are three
subspecies of dama gazelle one of which is extinct in the
wild.

The dama gazelle is adapted for the arid and semi-arid
habitats in and near the Sahara Desert. Due to its
inhospitable habitat and loss of its natural range little is
known of its natural history. It is a migratory grazer moving
with the rains, but beyond that little is known of its social
organization in the wild. Like other animals adapted for the
desert the dama gazelle can survive on the moisture it obtains
from its food without drinking water.

The population of the dama gazelle has dropped signicantly
since the 1970's. The loss of habitat due to human causes is
the major threat to the species. Much of its former range has
been overgrazed by domestic cattle. The IUCN lists the
species as Critically Endangered and two subspecies are protected under the Endangered
Species Act. This species is also listed in CITES Appendix I.
Dama Gazelle
Nanger dama
Range: Niger, Chad and Chad
Size: : 95-120 cm (37-41 in)
: 95-120 cm(35-39in)
Weight :40-75 kg(88-165lbs)
:40-75kg(88-165 lbs)
Horns: 50-70cm (2-5 in) massive
Habitat: desert semi-desert
Estrus: n/a
Estrus cycle: 16-22 days
Gestation : 22-24 weeks
Litter: 1
Weaning: 12-16 weeks
Sexual maturity: 18 months
Lifestyle: Terrestrial
Activity: Diurnal
Social: mixed sex herds
Breeding: polygynous
Movement: migratory
Food: grasses acacia
IUCN: Critically Endangered
Subspecies : 3
Longevity: captive: 18 yrs
Wild: n/a