With its graceful form, pale coloring, and ability to thrive in some of the harshest environments on Earth, it represents both beauty and resilience in the face of adversity. Once roaming in vast herds across the sands of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Syria, this gazelle now survives in smaller, protected populations—remnants of an ancient desert heritage.

The Arabian sand gazelle is a medium-sized antelope, slender and built for speed and endurance. Its coat is a soft, sandy beige or pale fawn color, blending perfectly with the dunes and rocky plains it inhabits. The underparts, rump, and inner legs are pure white, and a faint dark stripe runs along each flank. Both males and females possess slender, slightly curved horns, though the males’ are longer and more prominently ridged. Its large, dark eyes are framed by delicate lashes, and its overall appearance radiates grace and alertness—an animal perfectly adapted to detect and escape predators across open terrain.

Life in the desert demands remarkable adaptations, and the Arabian sand gazelle is a master of survival. It can withstand extreme heat and aridity, often going weeks without drinking water. Instead, it draws moisture from the vegetation it eats—grasses, shrubs, and desert succulents—and from dew that forms on plants overnight. Its body is highly efficient at conserving water: it produces very concentrated urine and dry droppings, minimizing moisture loss. During the hottest parts of the day, it rests in the shade of rocks or low bushes, becoming more active in the cool mornings and evenings. When alarmed, it can sprint at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour (50 mph) and sustain long chases across the desert, its hooves barely leaving prints on the sand.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Bahrain

2016

Origin Uncertain

Iraq

2016

Jordan

2016

Kuwait

2016

Oman

2016

Qatar

2016

Saudi Arabia

2016

Syria

2016

Turkey

2016

Reintroduced

UAE

2016

Yemen

2016