Estimating Population Density and Trend of Soemmerring's Gazelle

Three sub species of soemmerring's gazelle are endemic to the horn of Africa. Eritrea too harbors this species. A total of 272 soemmerring's gazelle, 80 Dorcas gazelle, and 60 ostriches were recorded. The data was analyzed using LINE TRANSECT PROGRAM DISTANCE. The results revealed population density of 0.992 individuals per sq. km (with 95% confidence interval 0.64489 - 1.5263). Population estimate can be extrapolated from the result where Soemmerring's gazelle expected to occur in the area of approximately 1000 km2 and is believed to reach >700 soemmerring's gazelle. Females group containing juveniles and of adult males were the two main social units. Herds of 5-8 were most common. However, herd size ranges from 1-12 individuals. Population trend is slightly increasing since the last seven years due efforts made by the Government of Eritrea, Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the local community. Previously these animals were widely distributed along the Buri peninsula, today they found in confined and scattered areas. Prolonged drought, predation, hunting and competition are some of the reasons that contribute to the decline of these species.