| Range: |
Morocco, Northern Algeria, Tunisia (in northern Africa) |
| Habitat: |
Semi-deserts in mountain areas |
| Conservation Status: |
Endangered |
| Scientific Name: |
Gazella cuvieri |
Cuvier’s gazelles are the only mountain gazelle native to Africa, inhabiting the Atlas mountain range from Morocco to western Tunisia. Not surprisingly, these fawn-colored gazelles are excellent climbers. As adults, these medium-sized gazelles weigh between 60 and 75 pounds and both males and females possess curved ridged horns. Newborn Cuvier’s gazelles typically hide under vegetation for the first several weeks of life, emerging only periodically to nurse.
Although protected now, overhunting in the past for skin and meat nearly drove this species to extinction. There are thought to be less than 500 Cuvier’s gazelles left in the wild. This species is also known as the Atlas gazelle or the Edmi gazelle.
Did You Know?
Cuvier’s gazelles are the only gazelles to commonly give birth to twins.
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