Reem (Gazella subgutturosa marica - Gazella marica)
The Arabian Sand Gazelle (Gazella marica, historically classified as Gazella subgutturosa marica, known locally in Arabic as the Reem / غزال الريم) is a slender, pale-coated gazelle exquisitely adapted to survive the hyper-arid deserts, gravel plains, and sand dunes of the Arabian Peninsula. Issued by the State of Bahrain (دولة البحرين) to commemorate the establishment and conservation efforts of the Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve (محمية العرين) inaugurated in 1976 as a sanctuary for endangered indigenous Arabian wildlife this stamp celebrates captive breeding, species reintroduction, and biodiversity protection across the Gulf region.
The detailed realistic illustration captures a female gazelle trotting gracefully across the arid desert terrain of Bahrain, set against low desert scrub (haloxylon and acacia) under an open blue sky. Unlike other gazelle species where both sexes carry substantial horns, female Reem gazelles often have very short, thin horns or remain completely hornless. The issue highlights Bahrain's pioneering role in Arabian wildlife conservation, emphasizing the preservation of species that once freely roamed the vast desert landscapes of the peninsula.
The detailed realistic illustration captures a female gazelle trotting gracefully across the arid desert terrain of Bahrain, set against low desert scrub (haloxylon and acacia) under an open blue sky. Unlike other gazelle species where both sexes carry substantial horns, female Reem gazelles often have very short, thin horns or remain completely hornless. The issue highlights Bahrain's pioneering role in Arabian wildlife conservation, emphasizing the preservation of species that once freely roamed the vast desert landscapes of the peninsula.