Three Dama gazelle in the wild 

IMAGE: Pixabay

Dama gazelle (Nanger dama) are critically endangered antelope species formerly found across the Sahel, that are now only known to exist in isolated population in Chad and Niger. The global estimates in the wild are 100-200 individuals.

They are an elegant, long-necked gazelle species with a striking coat pattern which changes across the species range. This coat pattern has been used to divide the species into different subspecies in the past, however genetic analysis conducted by the RZSS WildGenes lab has called this into question and dama gazelle are now considered to be a single species.

We been involved in planning of dama gazelle conservation since a workshop held at Edinburgh Zoo in 2013.  

The RZSS WildGenes team is currently in charge of conducting genetic analysis in support of a breeding and release programme that is taking place in the Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim Wildlife Reserve in Chad.

Our Partners

Project type

Conservation translocation icons

Conservation translocation

Conservation planning icon

Conservation planning

Conservation genetics icon

Conservation genetics

The team

Helen Senn 2024

Dr Helen Senn

Head of conservation and science programmes

Jo Howard-McComb

Dr Jo Howard-McCombe

Research Scientist (RZSS WildGenes)

Dr Alex Ball

Dr Alex Ball

Conservation programme manager (RZSS WildGenes)

Ways you can support

Asian elephant in woods

IMAGE: sourabh

Become a Conservation Champion

Conservation Champions are helping to save 50 of the world's most endangered species from extinction. Give from £1 a week to £1 a day and join a growing group of caring people like you, committed to saving animals in danger.

Help save wildlife
Linne's two-toed sloth Nico hanging upside down from rope. IMAGE: Rhiordan Langan-Fortune 2023

Connect your business to nature

You can get involved in our work via corporate partnerships, corporate sponsorships, exclusive volunteering opportunities, in-kind gifts and much more. Being a corporate partner is a unique path to meeting your business and corporate social responsibility needs.

Find out more
Snow leopard Koshi stood on snowy hillside looking to the left. IMAGE: Alyson Houston 2021

Join RZSS as a member

RZSS membership provides much more than just free entry to Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park. Your membership helps support our charity's conservation work around the world.

Become a member