Gazelles roam free again in Libya’s Waddan mountains

A group of gazelles was released into the wild on Saturday in Wadi Al-Hisan, a remote area within the Waddan mountain range, as part of an ongoing initiative to support biodiversity and restore native wildlife in central Libya.

The project, organised by the Waddan Wildlife Association, saw the release of ten gazelles—both males and females—some bred on private farms in the town of Waddan, and others relocated from various locations across the Al-Jufra region.

The event was attended by representatives from local government bodies, civil society organisations, and private sector supporters who have backed the initiative.

Al-Jufra has witnessed several similar projects in recent years aimed at reintroducing native species including wild rabbits, foxes, and various reptiles such as spiny-tailed and monitor lizards. Other environmental efforts have involved restocking fish in dam reservoirs across the region.

Wildlife populations in the area have declined significantly in recent decades, particularly gazelles and wild rabbits. Conservation groups attribute this decline largely to illegal hunting and the widespread availability of firearms, which have led to some species disappearing from their natural habitats.

Organisers said the release in Wadi Al-Hisan forms part of a broader strategy to address this decline and promote the recovery of local ecosystems.