Wildlife

Wild Addax Desert Welfare and Ex-Situ Conservation

Addax are critically endangered desert antelopes with fewer than 100 wild individuals remaining. Ex-situ conservation is essential for species survival.

Key Facts

Wild addax population in Niger crashed from thousands to fewer than 100
They are exquisitely adapted to desert life, obtaining water from food and dew
Large captive populations in zoos and private ranches number in the thousands
Reintroduction attempts require political stability in Saharan range countries

Welfare Considerations

Addax welfare in captivity requires appropriate climate management, desert-type substrate and vegetation, and appropriate group structure. Ex-situ programmes must maintain genetic diversity for eventual reintroduction when range country conditions allow.

What You Can Do

Support Sahara Conservation Fund ex-situ and reintroduction planning
Advocate for international pressure on range countries to protect remaining wild addax
Follow Zoological Society of London addax conservation breeding programme