runs between mid-March and mid-June 1992. This survey is organised by 
WIWO, but OSME volunteers who can spend at least two weeks in the 
field would be most welcome. 
The second survey is planned for spring 1993. It will cover Great Bustards 
Otis tarda breeding throughout Turkey. DHKD will have close 
involvement with the planning and field work of this project. The status 
of Great Bustards in Turkey in recent years is uncertain. The effects of 
increased hunting and agricultural change give particular cause for 
concern, and this survey should clarify the species' status. 
If you are interested in taking part in either or both of these surveys, 
please write to Guy Kirwan, c/o OSME. Please include a CV stating 
relevant experience and skills (eg mechanic, ringer), and availability. 
Gazelles in Yemen and southern Saudi Arabia 
To clarify the taxonomy of gazelles in the Arabian Peninsula, we should 
like to collect information about the dark forms occurring in Yemen and 
the south of Saudi Arabia. Gazelles like that in the photograph are 
breeding at the National Wildlife Research Centre in Taif, Saudi Arabia. 
This taxon could be Gazella bilkis, described as a new species by Groves 
and Lay (1985, Mammalia 49: 27-36) on the basis of specimens from 
Yemen, or more probably a dark subspecies of Gazella gazella. The status 
of Gazella bilkis and of this uncertain subspecies is unclear, bu t, in view of 
the paucity of information, they could be endangered. 
G bilis or G gazella, Taif, Saudi Arabia, May 1991 (Photograph NWRC) 
The main sightings of Gazella bilkis were in the area of Ta'izz, North 
Yemen. If this is a dark subspecies of Gaze/Za gazella, its origin is unknown. 
Any information about these taxa - taxonomy, distribution, sightings, 
photographs, contacts of people concerned - will be useful for co- 
ordinating international conservation measures. If you can help, please 
write to Arnaud Greth, National Commission for Wildlife Conservation 
and Development, PO Box 1086, Taif, Saudi Arabia. 
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