The dibatag (Ammodorcas clarkei), also known as Clarke's gazelle, is native to Somalia and Ethiopa. Its range is significantly smaller than it once was and, in many areas, populations are fragmented. In the region of Ogaden, where it was once abundant, the northern populations have dwindled due to human civilisations taking over. In southern Ogaden, it is still present in presentable numbers, most likely due to the natural vegetation and habitat required to sustain it. It prefers a habitat within arid and sandy grasslands.
The dibatag is actually an antelope, although it resembles a gazelle. Its tail is striped, and will rise if it feels threatened. This action grants it the local Somalia name meaning "erect tail". Males can weigh an average of up to 77 pounds, while females weigh less at 63 pounds.
Many things, including war in its Somalia range, hunting, drought, and the habitat loss that these factors cause, threaten the dibatag. There are currently no protected areas within its range, and no captive breeding populations. Despite this, conservationists have proposed efforts to save this species, with Ogaden being the only viable location for these efforts to prove successful. The dibatag appears n the IUCN Red List wit a conservation status of "Vulnerable".
We can only hope that progress will be made by conservationists to save this species. It is so sad that such a beautiful animal should face extinction. There are so many creatures that are threatened these days very often as a result of the actions of mankind.
Such a pretty animal, and unusual with the horns coming back from the face while other antelopes have the horns set a bit further back.
ReplyDeleteOnly 77 pounds? Last time I was 77 pounds I was probably 10 years old.
Yes it really is very pretty and the 77 pounds is as quoted in the article. I can remember when I weighed 140 lbs which for me was correct weight for height....way back then. : )
DeleteThose horns do make it look quite different don't they?
An enchanting animal. I hope it is made safe. And yes, we are often the reason the animal is endangered, so it seems the least we can do to take steps to ensure their survival.
ReplyDeleteI thought so too.....it quite inspired me to write about it.
ReplyDeleteWe do indeed owe our planet and the creatures of this world a lot. It is wonderful that so many are attempting to do their upmost to ensure more animals survive. This is when you wish you had money to spare to help worthy causes.
What a delicate little creature.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is truly adorable and one can only hope it survives but it certainly hasn't a lot going for it right now.
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