distribution in Lybia, it is unknown due to the lack of
data and the current unstable situation in the country.
In this gloomy situation, only the populations of
Algeria and Tunisia are relatively known to be
potentially viable. But this condition is not stable. It is
closely linked to the effective state of conservation
in those countries. Its regression happens in a series
of extinction that affected exceptional species such
as the Red neck ostrich from North Africa, the
Saharan cheetah and the Addax. It is the reflection of
the decline of this fascinating world, both fragile and
strong at the same time.
Life and death of the Reem or
the tragedy of a symbol
La Gazelle 59 I
138
The Reem prefers to wander in inter-dunal pastures.
But, when it detects a danger, it rushes towards the
dunes. The latters represent its only shelter against
predators and hunters. Unfortunately, it was a time
before the extinction of great predators like the
Saharan cheetah and the advent of modern
transportation able to violate the most remote
places. The oral tradition as well as some field data
report that the Reem lived at the doorstep of Douz
especially during rainy years. However, since a few
years the species has been pushed South by a
destructive poaching, by massacres beyond
comprehension. The images that filter through show
the use of extremely shocking and cruel methods !
Emptiness settles around Tambein, Taganiss, El
Mida and many other places considered as remote
sites until recently. The biological void progresses
like a desertification ogre destroying everything in
front of him, everything that makes the magic of the
Sahara... of the Tunisian Sahara and all its symbols
of life. The white gazelle is the desired target, the
reason why poachers cross this mineral world,
particularly incandescent during summer months...
it is the beautiful... it is, unfortunately, the trophy !
The decline of the Reem and the world that
surrounds it is not due to drought, lack of space or
global warming. It is not natural, it is provoked !
The tragedy escalates when we learn that the
poachers are not satisfied anymore with the
massacre of the adults and that young orphans
trafficking is happening... The taste for money and
quick enrichment is now making its way.
Threatened species, so-called « protected » species...
the Reem leaves the dunes of its ancesters in a
deafening silence. It is not like the mountain gorilla, it is
not like the panda, it is not like the Bengal tiger or the
tropical forests... Like all creatures of the Sahara, it is an
orphan species with no sponsor, no spokesperson to
defend its case in international environmental events. It
is a forgotten among the forgotten !
What are the writers going to write if the Reem
comes to disappear ?
What will the singers say if the White gazelle
vanishes forever ?
What will the lovers say to describe their love’s eyes
and grace ?
The hole in our collective imagination will certainly
be huge, horrible and weighing on our shoulders as
the emptiness created in the Sahara. I