Artiodactyla Id code: amd163Bovidae Gazella cuvieri (Ogilby, 1841) (Eng) Edmi or Atlas gazelle (Fre) Gazelle edmi ou de l’Atlas Taxonomic notes Formerly assigned to G. gazella, Wilson & Reeder (1993) recognised it as a distinct species. IUCN threat category Endangered (EN: criteria C2a). Available information Little is known on the ecology of this species. Instead, updated and detailed information is available on its status and distribution. Its status and distribution in Morocco is discussed in Anonymous (1994), Aulagnier & Thévenot (1986a, 1986b), Cuzin (1996), and Loggers et al. (1992), while past and present distribution, status, and habitat preferences in Algeria are analysed by De Smet (1991). Some notes on its habitat are also given by Newby (1984) and Spinage (1986). General information on its ecology and an updated distribution map are found in Kingdon (1997). Known extent of occurrence 
Endemic to north Africa, the Cuvier’s gazelle is restricted to Morocco (and Western Sahara), north Algeria and south Tunisia (Wilson & Reeder, 1993; De Smet, 1991; Loggers et al., 1992). A distribution map was drawn on the basis of some recent available literature sources, such as Kingdon (1997); Anonymous (1994); Loggers et al. (1992) and De Smet (1991). Dr. R. East (23 June ‘97) suggested using a "possible" label throughout its range (Fig. 8.6.12.a). Categorical-discrete (CD) distribution model The species occupies a variety of short maquis and open forest habitat types, it also lives in stony desert (Loggers et al., 1992; Aulagnier & Thévenot, 1986a; 1986b; Kingdon, 1997). Based on these environmental preferences, the following scores were assigned (Fig. 8.6.12.b) (8.6.12.a):
Tab 8.6.12.a: Cumulative size (km 2) of areas pertaining to each environmental suitability class within the Extent of Occurrence.
Tab 8.6.12.b: Area of Occupancy fragmentation indexes. Probabilistic-continuous (PC) distribution model The output of the probabilistic-continuous (PC) distribution model is shown in Fig. 8.6.12.c. Validation
Tab 8.6.12.c: Categorical-discrete (CD) distribution model validation parameters. Comments and conservation issues The known EO is marked as "possible", as very little is known of this species’ status and ecology. The paucity of information available also reflects in the very low Index of Accordance (27.81%). It is a highly endangered species that has been heavily hunted and its numbers reduced by other human activities: it may well be extinct but for a few surviving individuals in southern Morocco, not the most suitable area for the species. Its EO along the mountain ranges of North Africa is also intensively used by humans and the species has virtually no area there in which it could be partially protected. The models show a considerable amount of suitable areas, especially in Morocco and Algeria, although they are fragmented and interspersed with other unsuitable vegetation types. The status of the species should be immediately examined to establish an effective conservation action plan.
Tab 8.6.12.d: Percent of environmental suitability classes within EO (as obtained from the categorical-discrete distribution model) inside and outside the protected areas. References Anonymous (1994). Plan directeur des aires protégées: Les écosistemes marocaines et la situation de la flore et de la faune. Eaux & Forets: Tome 1, vol . 1. Aulagnier S., Thévenot M. (1986a). Les ongulés sauvages du Maroc. Constat d'une régression alarmante. Le Courrier de la Nature: 104 (julliet-aou), 16-37. Aulagnier S., Thévenot M. (1986b). Note sur les mammifères des environs de l'Embouchure de l'Oued Massa. Bulletin de l'Institut Scientifique (Rabat): 10, 193-199. Cuzin F. (1996). Répartition actuelle et statut des grands mammifères sauvages du Maroc (Primates, Carnivores, Artiodactyles). Mammalia: 60 (1), 101-124. De Smet K. (1991). Cuvier's gazelle in Algeria. Oryx: 25(2), 99-104. Kingdon J. (1997). The Kingdon field guide to African Mammals. Academic Press, London and New York: Natural World. Loggers C., Thévenot M., Aulagnier S. (1992). Status and distribution of Moroccan wild ungulates. Biol. Conserv.: 59, 9-18. Newby J.E. (1984). Large mammals. In: Cloudsley-Thompson J.L. (Ed.). Sahara Desert. Key environments series. Pergamon Press, Oxford: chap. 18, 277-290. Spinage C.A. (1986). The Natural History of Antelopes. Croom Helm Publishers Ltd, London. Mamm. Series. Wilson D.E., Reeder D.M. (Eds) (1993). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. Second edition. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington D.C.
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