CR

Addax nasomaculatus

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Addax faces imminent extinction due to uncontrolled hunting for meat and traditional medicine, which has decimated populations across its range. Habitat degradation from overgrazing by livestock and human encroachment into desert areas has further reduced available grazing grounds. Climate change is intensifying desertification and reducing the sparse vegetation this antelope depends on for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Addax inhabits extremely arid desert regions of the Sahara, particularly sandy and stony desert areas with sparse vegetation. It prefers areas with scattered grasses and desert shrubs, and can survive in some of the most water-scarce environments on Earth.

Marine coastal/supratidal· majorDesert· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies managementLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Addax nasomaculatus classified as Critically Endangered?
Addax nasomaculatus is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Addax faces imminent extinction due to uncontrolled hunting for meat and traditional medicine, which has decimated populations across its range. Habitat degradation from overgrazing by livestock and human encroachment into desert areas has further reduced available grazing grounds. Climate change is intensifying desertification and reducing the sparse vegetation this antelope depends on for survival.
Where does Addax nasomaculatus live?
Addax nasomaculatus occurs in Algeria, Libya, and Mauritania. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Addax nasomaculatus?
The main threats to Addax nasomaculatus are 11.2, 2.3, 3.1, and 5.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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