Climate change could expand gemsbok habitat across the American Southwest

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  Gemsbok, African antelopes introduced to New Mexico between 1969 and 1977, have spread more than 62 miles (100 kilometers) from their release site.

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  Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign modeled where gemsbok could live as the American Southwest warms.

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  The models found that winter cold is a major limit: suitable habitat had average temperatures of about 41 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit (5 to 12 degrees Celsius) during the coldest three months.

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  Potential habitat includes areas near the Rio Grande and dry parts of California, though farmland, roads and other barriers may restrict movement.

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  Across three climate scenarios extending to 2100, suitable habitats became more connected, potentially giving gemsbok more opportunities to expand.

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  Researchers said expansion could increase competition for food with native wildlife and ranchers who use the same grasslands.

Who

Gemsbok and researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

What

Researchers modeled how climate change could expand suitable habitat for introduced gemsbok in the American Southwest.

When

Research published October 9, 2026; climate scenarios extend to 2100.

Where

New Mexico and potential habitats across the American Southwest, including western Texas, Arizona and parts of California.

Why

Warming winters may make more areas suitable and connect habitats, while gemsbok are adapted to hot, dry conditions.

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