THE CHINKARA (GAZELLA BENNETTI) IN IRAN, WITH THE DESCRIPTION OF TWO NEW SUBSPECIES

The distribution of Gazella bennetti in Iran is reviewed. The species is commonly said to be confined to the southeastern part of the country, but is actually widespread over suitable areas, east of the Zagros Range and south of the Alborz. In the north and west of this range, there is a hitherto undescribed subspecies, which is named and diagnosed for the first time in this paper; its similarity in colouration to the commoner Gazella subgutturosa doubtless accounts for the failure of specialists to record its existence previously. A further new subspecies, confined to the region of Bushehr, is also named and diagnosed.