Two-thirds of antelope species in decline

The springbok is the only antelope species whose population is on the rise, according to a new review by the Red List for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In addition, over a quarter of the antelopes, 25 species out of 91, are considered threatened with extinction. “Unsustainable harvesting, whether for food or traditional medicine, and human encroachment on their habitat are the main threats facing antelopes,” says Dr Philippe Chardonnet, Co-Chair of the IUCN Antelope Specialist Group. … While the springbok is the only antelope found to be on the rise, 31 percent of the antelopes’ populations remain stable. 62 percent have a downward trajectory, while not enough data is available for the remaining six percent. …

Only one out of 91 antelope species is on the rise