Humans have encroached on the habitats of gazelles, causing their populations to decline. As human populations grow, more land is needed for agriculture, housing, and other development. This has resulted in the fragmentation and destruction of gazelle habitats. In addition, the increase in human activity has also led to an increase in hunting, further reducing gazelle numbers.
Hunting
Gazelles are hunted for their meat, skin, and horns. Although hunting is illegal in many countries, it is still a major threat to gazelle populations. In some areas, gazelles are killed for sport, while in others they are hunted for food or to protect crops. The illegal trade in gazelle parts is also a significant threat to their survival.
Habitat loss
Gazelles are highly dependent on their natural habitats, and they can be severely affected by habitat loss. The loss of habitat is caused by a number of factors, including deforestation, desertification, and climate change. Deforestation is a major threat to gazelle habitats, as trees are cleared for agriculture, timber, and other uses. Desertification is also a serious problem, as it reduces the amount of land available for gazelles to graze. Climate change is also having a negative impact on gazelle habitats, as it is causing changes in precipitation patterns and temperature.
Predators
Gazelles are also preyed upon by a variety of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs. Although predators are a natural part of the gazelle ecosystem, they can also contribute to their decline. In areas where predator populations are high, gazelle populations can be severely reduced.
Disease
Gazelles are also susceptible to a variety of diseases, some of which can be fatal. Diseases such as rinderpest, foot-and-mouth disease, and tuberculosis can all cause high mortality rates in gazelle populations.