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Distribution and Status Numbers of Sand Gazelle have been
greatly reduced right across its range due to hunting and
competition for grazing with domestic stock. It once ranged
across the Arabian Peninsula, eastwards through Syria and Iraq,
into south-east Turkey and throughout Iran where suitable habitat
existed. Today it is restricted largely to conservation areas and
the most isolated regions, with probably less than 10,000 animals
surviving in the wild. The largest (although greatly reduced)
populations survive in Iran.
Conservation Areas Mahazat as-Sayd PA, Uruq Bani Ma’arid PA (Saudi
Arabia); Shaumari WR (Jordan); Ceylanpinar SF (Turkey); Bamou NP,
Golestan NP, Kavir NP, Sorkeh Hesar NP (Iran).
CHINKARA Gazella bennettii
Identification The Chinkara, Jebeer, or Indian or Bennett’s Gazelle
is represented by at least two subspecies in Iran. The northern and
western form (G.b. shikarii) is very pale and could be confused with
the Sand Gazelle. The darker form (G. b. fuscifrons) occurs in the
south-east and along the Makran coast to the border with Pakistan.
These animals are light to darker brownish-yellow above and white
below and on the inner buttocks, and have a variably brown blaze
on the face. The lateral line separating the upper and lower body
is indistinct or slightly darker than the dorsal hair. The tail is short
and dark in colour, and the ears are long and pointed. The horns
are very similar to those of the Sand Gazelle, reaching 35 cm in
the male. Some authorities believe that the Chinkara belongs in the
Dorcas group.
Size Shoulder height 55–65 cm.
Weight 15 –25 kg.
Habitat and Behaviour The Chinkara occupies mainly semi-arid
areas, particularly desert fringes where there are gravel and scree
plains, or hilly terrain. It is usually seen singly, or in small herds of
up to six animals. Chinkara are mixed feeders that graze where
available but also browse. They seek out succulent plants for their
water content, but like most arid-dwelling animals they are water
independent. Lambs have been recorded in May in south-west Iran,
but also in September, perhaps suggesting a double birthing. In the
north they are born in late autumn.
Distribution and Status The Chinkara only occurs to the east of the
Zagros Mountains in Iran. Remaining populations are concentrated in
the central and south-eastern parts of Iran, including the coastal plain
of the Gulf of Oman. It now survives mainly in conservation areas, and
is known from nine of these.
Conservation Areas Kavir NP, Khabr-va-Rouchoon WR, Bahram-e-
Gour PA (Iran).