Evidence of browsing pressure on the critically endangered Acacia gazelle (Gazella acaciae)

摘要

The Arabian Gazelle (Gazella arabica) is vulnerable throughout its range. Israel's population, known locally as the Acacia gazelle (G. acaciae), is critically endangered. The entire 22-individual population inhabits a 3.5 km(2) enclosure and, at the time of the experiment, shared the space with over 120 dorcas gazelles (G. dorcas). This study investigated whether the Acacia gazelles faced significant browsing pressure in their enclosure by comparing the browsing line and lowest leaf of Acacia trees in the Acacia gazelle enclosure to those of dorcas gazelle habitats in Evrona, Yotvata Hai Bar, Shezaf, and Wadi Shita. We discovered a significantly higher browsing line in the Acacia Gazelle Enclosure than in the other gazelle habitats, implying that the Acacia gazelles faced high browsing pressure that may affect their survival. Our study will inform the way that Israel's Acacia gazelle reintroduction program manages the population, and will influence the determination of locations and conditions for future reintroductions.