Mammal

Saudi Arabian Gazelle

Gazella saudiya

Also known as Saudi Gazelle, Arabian Dorcas Gazelle

Saudi Arabian gazelles were nimble, pale-coated ungulates uniquely adapted to survive hyper-arid gravel plains and barren sandy wastes across the Arabian Peninsula. Traveling in small family bands, they navigated vast desert expanses following seasonal flush vegetation and relied on desert succulents to meet their hydration needs. Intense motorized hunting and pastoral competition during the mid-twentieth century drove the entire population to extinction, with the last wild individuals confirmed in 1970.

Desert DwellerHerbivore

—observations

—countries

—peak records

ExtinctConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyDesert grasses, acacia foliage, desert herbs, and succulents

Predators

Arabian Leopard
Arabian Wolf
Asiatic Cheetah

ThreatsOverhunting with motor vehicles and firearms, severe habitat degradation

HabitatsArid gravel plains, stony steppes, and sandy desert margins

Life span10–12 years

Classification

FamilyBovidae
SpeciesGazella saudiya

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Extinct species; no living wild or captive individuals remain.

Responsible observation

Museum Collections: Observe authenticated taxidermy and skeletal material in historical natural history archives.
Identification Vigilance: Be skeptical of captive claims, as genetic testing proved all living captive stocks were hybrids or other species.

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