Conservation implications of midden selection and use in an endangered gazelle (Gazella gazella)

• Published in: Journal of zoology (1987) Vol. 268; no. 3; pp. 255 - 260
• Main Authors: Attum, O., Eason, P., Wakefield, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Science Ltd 01.03.2006; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Gazella gazelle; landmarks; Mammals; Manures; midden use; mountain gazelles; Poaching; Saudi Arabia; Wildlife conservation; Zoology; Saudi Arabia
• ISSN: 0952-8369; 1469-7998
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.2005.00027.x

This study examines midden selection and use by mountain gazelles Gazella gazella in central Saudia Arabia and the implications of middens (dung piles) for the conservation of this species. Specifically, we tested poachers' claims that mountain gazelles are easy to kill because midden use was predictable and conspicuous. We found that midden selection in mountain gazelles is non‐random, with middens typically located at the base of the most conspicuous and largest trees, although the choice of midden sites is also influenced by tree species. Middens clearly have olfactory importance; the majority of mountain gazelles that visited middens were observed sniffing the ground. Mountain gazelles visit middens at night, which corroborates poachers' claims that the animals are easily hunted at night through spotlighting. Although the use of open habitats that are accessible to automobiles makes gazelles vulnerable to hunting and being run down, our data suggest that midden use is also an attribute that makes gazelles susceptible to hunting. Poachers can locate gazelles because of middens' predictable locations, as they are placed at prominent landmarks, are visually conspicuous as large dung piles, and are visited at night, which allows the animals to be found through spotlighting. Other taxa that use predictable and prominent landmarks, or communicate through visually conspicuous methods could also be susceptible to poaching.