Gueumbeul Special Wildlife Reserve: dama gazelle & invasive cactus

The Gueumbeul Special Wildlife Reserve (RSFG) is a 720 ha protected area located in the extreme northwest of Senegal. This reserve, with its rich biodiversity, consists of a 340 ha saltwater lagoon surrounded by two strips of shrubby savannah covering 380 ha. Its main vocation is to be a center for the adaptation and reproduction of Sahelo-Saharan species reintroduced in Senegal, including the Dama gazelle. However, the site faces several problems that could compromise this mission: insufficient or outdated breeding enclosures, the presence of certain zoonotic diseases or the reduction of grazing areas due to an invasive cactus (Opuntia tuna). This last element is currently a major concern, with 12% of the terrestrial part of the reserve being invaded by the cactus. The aim now is to restore degraded habitats, renew the reserve's tourist appeal and significantly involve local people in the management of the site.