The International Union for Conservation of Nature classes the animals as endangered on its Red List.
A Rhim gazelle walks in the Sawa wildlife reserve, in Iraq's southern province of Al Muthanna. All photos: AFP
Gazelles at the Iraqi wildlife reserve in the desert of Samawa are dropping dead from lack of food, making them the latest victims in a country where climate change adds to the burdens after years of war.
In little more than a month, the slender-horned gazelle population at the reserve has dropped from 148 to 87.
Lack of funding along with a shortage of rain has deprived them of food, another reflection of the country's drought that has dried up lakes and led to declining crop yields.
Turki Al Jayashi, director of the Sawa wildlife reserve, adds nutrition supplements to a water trough at the reserve.
A young Rhim gazelle receiving medical care at the centre.
A shelter with a corrugated metal roof made to provide shade for the animals.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature classes the animals as endangered on its Red List.
A Rhim gazelle walks in the Sawa wildlife reserve, in Iraq's southern province of Al Muthanna. All photos: AFP
Gazelles at the Iraqi wildlife reserve in the desert of Samawa are dropping dead from lack of food, making them the latest victims in a country where climate change adds to the burdens after years of war.
In little more than a month, the slender-horned gazelle population at the reserve has dropped from 148 to 87.
Lack of funding along with a shortage of rain has deprived them of food, another reflection of the country's drought that has dried up lakes and led to declining crop yields.
Turki Al Jayashi, director of the Sawa wildlife reserve, adds nutrition supplements to a water trough at the reserve.
A young Rhim gazelle receiving medical care at the centre.
A shelter with a corrugated metal roof made to provide shade for the animals.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature classes the animals as endangered on its Red List.
