Drought threatens gazelle herd at Iraqi wildlife reserve - in pictures

Endangered animals in the conservation area are dropping dead from lack of food

This aerial view shows a Rhim gazelle grazing at the Sawa wildlife reserve in the desert of Samawa in Iraq's southern province of al-Muthanna on June 8, 2022. - Gazelles at the Iraqi wildlife reserve are dropping dead from lack of food, making them the latest victims in a country where climate change adds to the burdens after years of war. In little over one month, the slender-horned gazelle population at the reserve has dropped from 148 to 87. Lack of funding along with a shortage of rain has deprived them of food, another reflection of the country's drought which has dried up lakes and led to declining crop yields. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classes the animals as endangered on its Red List. (Photo by Asaad NIAZI / AFP)

Gazelles at the Iraqi wildlife reserve in the desert of Samawa are dropping dead from lack of food, making them the latest victims in a country where climate change adds to the burdens after years of war.

In little more than a month, the slender-horned gazelle population at the reserve has dropped from 148 to 87.

Lack of funding along with a shortage of rain has deprived them of food, another reflection of the country's drought that has dried up lakes and led to declining crop yields.

Turki Al Jayashi, director of the Sawa wildlife reserve, adds nutrition supplements to a water trough at the reserve.

A young Rhim gazelle receiving medical care at the centre.

A shelter with a corrugated metal roof made to provide shade for the animals.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classes the animals as endangered on its Red List.

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