Dunham K.M. 1997. Gazelles and oryx in Saudi Arabia. Re-introduction News 13: 5-6.

Summary: During January and February 1996, 24 captive-born mountain gazelles Gazella gazella were released in the 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid Protected Area. Local residents report that mountain gazelles used to live in this area. The gazelles were kept in pre-release pens for a few days before being freed. Alfalfa hay and water were supplied for the first few weeks after release. Five gazelles were fitted with radio-collars; the remainder with coloured ear-tags. Some of the females were pregnant when freed and one calf was born to during March. Another radio-collared female has moved some 50 km northwards of her release site. A total of 99 captive-born sand gazelles, Gazella subgutturosa, were released in the 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid Protected Area during January 1996, bringing the total number freed there between 1995-1996 to 199 (Cf. Dunham, 1995, 2-1995-007). At the end of 1995, 82 of the 100 animals released during that first year could be accounted for: 8 were dead and at least 74 were alive. During the first five months of 1996, only one gazelle is known to have died. At least 75 calves were born during 1995: 30 offspring, conceived in captivity, were born during spring and 45 were born in autumn. Of the females who gave birth during the spring, 75% went on to give birth again in the autumn. At least 83 calves were born to released females during March-May 1996 and, in addition, several calves were born to one-year-old females which were born in the reserve during the previous year. Thirty Arabian oryx Oryx leucoryx, aged about one and a half years were freed in the 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid Protected Area during early 1996, to supplement the population re-established there during the previous year (Ancrenaz & Flamand, 1995, 2-1995-003). The animals released in 1996 were captive-born and bring the total number of oryx freed in the reserve to 61. By the end of May 1996, 14 calves had been born to females released during 1995. Mating was observed 12 days postpartum. Three animals, all released in 1995, have died.

#2-1997-001