Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Nanger
- Species
- Nanger dama
Habitat
Semi-desert and Sahel savanna. Distribution- Remnant populations occur in very low densities on the western and southern edges of the Sahara Desert from Morocco southward to Senegal, then eastward to northwestern Sudan.
Diet
Mainly a browser, sometimes standing on its hind legs to do so, but also feeds on grasses.
Behavior
Lives singly or in small groups of 10-15, sometimes in much larger herds during seasonal migrations. Often found with Dorcas gazelles. Breeding season varies with the region. A single young is born after 6-1/2 months gestation. Eyesight, hearing and sense of smell are very good.
Hunting
Cannot lawfully be hunted anywhere in its native habitat, but poaching continues. Good numbers are found in captivity in several parts of the world, including Texas game ranches, so the species is not presently in danger of extinction.
Conservation Status
Listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN.