Mammal · GBIF taxon 9091848
Sand Gazelle
Gazella maricaAlso known as Arabian Sand Gazelle, Reem, Rheem
Sand gazelles are exceptionally pale ungulates uniquely adapted to the hyper-arid dunes of the Arabian and Syrian Deserts. Their pale coats minimize heat absorption, while specialized nasal passages condense moisture from their breath to conserve precious body water. These swift mammals form small nomadic herds that travel long distances across sand seas in search of ephemeral vegetation following rare rains.
DesertHoofed Mammal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Desert Grasses
- Acacia Foliage
- Succulent Plants
Predators
- Arabian Wolf
- Caracal
ThreatsIllegal hunting, habitat loss, livestock overgrazing, extreme droughts
HabitatsArid sandy deserts, gravel plains, sand dunes
Life span10–14 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyBovidae
- SpeciesGazella marica
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe from a respectful distance.
- What to notice
- Recognized by its exceptionally pale body, white head with faint facial stripes, and lyre-shaped horns.
- Support conservation
- Maintain a wide berth in desert protected areas, never chase herds with vehicles, and respect reserve rules.
Responsible observation
- Use optics: Scan dunes with binoculars or a spotting scope to spot shy herds without disturbing them.
- Protect desert soils: Stick to established tracks in protected reserves to avoid destroying fragile desert flora.
Frequent Companion (c) Christoph Moning, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Predator (c) Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová · cc-by
Close Relative Bassem18 at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Khendon / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.