Captive breeding of oryx and gazelles in Shaumari reserve

     During the refugee influx, the natural population of oryx and sand gazelle suffered from illegal poaching and human intervention into their habitats.  In order to reverse this damage and raise the population of these animal communities to a sustainable level, a portion of award 5000304 was designated for this purpose.  Jordan decided to use these funds to develop a captive breeding programme at the Shaumari game reserve.  

     The programme was successfully completed by December 2011 with the nature reserve physically reinforced with a fence and breeding pens.  Further, the programme enhanced the herd size to a viable population by importing seven (7) oryx and forty (40) sand gazelles.  An eco-tourism plan was also established in cooperation with the United States Forest Service to ensure sustainability of the nature reserve.