Israeli Gazelle Faces Extinction Due to Habitat Loss and Climate Change

The Israeli gazelle, a species that has survived in the region for tens of thousands of years, is now facing increasing threats, primarily due to the shrinking of open natural spaces and climate change. Dr. Guy Douvert from the Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, explained that while the gazelle is well-adapted to Israel's Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and short, wet winters, it struggles with the modern environmental challenges.

The Israeli gazelle is found exclusively in Israel, inhabiting shrubland areas across the Golan Heights, Galilee, Gilboa, Menashe Hills, Carmel, southern coastal plain, Lachish, Jerusalem Hills, and Judea and Samaria. It is classified as endangered, with current population estimates ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 individuals. Their survival over millennia is attributed to their caution, alertness, and ability to adapt their activity to changing conditions, utilizing seasonal resources like fruits and young shoots.

Key threats to the gazelle include habitat fragmentation, which leads to increased roadkill and isolation of populations, hindering genetic diversity and migration. This fragmentation also exposes them to illegal hunting and predation by domestic dogs and jackals. Historically, disease outbreaks, such as foot-and-mouth disease in the early 1980s, have also severely impacted populations, highlighting the need for large, sustainable habitats.

Climate change exacerbates these issues, with more frequent extreme heat events and droughts. While gazelles adapt by shifting activity to cooler hours, drastic changes in food availability due to drought are problematic. The lack of contiguous habitats prevents them from migrating to safer areas after events like wildfires, trapping them in dangerous zones.

Research methods include non-invasive techniques like analyzing fecal samples for dietary content and using motion-sensing cameras. Recent findings indicate that gazelles can maintain high-quality diets year-round through local adaptations and can even thrive in sparsely wooded pine forests. Conservation efforts require public support for protecting natural open spaces and maintaining ecological corridors.