Habitat preference of reintroduced dorcas gazelles (Gazella dorcas neglecta) in North Ferlo, Senegal

In March 2009, 23 dorcas gazelles (9 males and 14 females) were reintroduced in the Katané enclosure, a 440 ha fenced-in area in the North Ferlo Fauna Reserve (Senegal). In the enclosure, the dorcas gazelle live with other reintroduced (the mohor gazelles and the scimitar-horned oryx) and native ungulate species (the Red-fronted gazelle), as well other native mammals. Seven habitat types were characterized in the enclosure. Habitat preference of dorcas gazelles was studied using presence and abundance of gazelle signs (tracks, latrines, fecal deposits) and direct observations. Seasonal data were collected along a 6-km long transect in the enclosure. The presence of dorcas gazelles is significantly dependent on the type of habitat in the Katané enclosure and they prefer open habitats (plateaus) to habitats with less visibility. This preference did not change according to season and the number of fecal deposits increased with proximity to the fence.