Discovery of a Unique Wildlife Phenomenon
A rare and extraordinary sight has been witnessed in Israel as a male mountain gazelle with an additional pair of legs growing from its back was recently discovered. The astonishing find was made by an Israeli army reservist who stumbled upon the peculiar creature and promptly alerted the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI), an esteemed environmental non-profit organization.
Survival Against All Odds
Despite its unusual genetic abnormality termed polymelia, the six-legged gazelle has managed to thrive in its habitat, surviving the challenges of the wild. Conservationist Amir Balaban from SPNI highlighted the gazelle’s resilience, noting its ability to navigate the dangers posed by predators and lead a remarkable life within the Nahal HaBasor reserve.
An Extraordinary Genetic Anomaly
The gazelle’s extra legs are attributed to a rare genetic disorder known as polymelia, a condition that leads to the proliferation of organs. While this phenomenon is more commonly observed in cattle, birds, and reptiles, this particular case marks the first documented instance of polymelia in a mountain gazelle within the Middle East region.
Conservation Efforts for Endangered Species
Mountain gazelles, being a protected species in Israel, face the threat of endangerment, with only an estimated 5,000 individuals remaining in the wild. These graceful creatures, native to the region, can be found not only in Israel but also in neighboring territories such as the Palestinian areas, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon.