The large fauna of  the Sahelo-Saharan region are keystone species that are also excellent indicator species for the conservation status of the region global biodiversity. Studies include behavioral ecology of these species in areas of occurrence and residual areas of reintroduction, their response to environmental stresses, evaluation of their habitats, collection of scientific information for the preparation of management plans and development of monitoring methodologies. In addition, a program of conservation and restoration of these extremely endangered ungulates related to arid and semi-arid North Africa has been initiated and conducted by the Unit since 1996. The species  primarily concerned are: the Scimitar-horned Oryx (Oryx dammah),  the Addax (Addax nasomaculatus), the Dama gazelle (Gazella dama), the Slender-horned gazelle (Gazella leptoceros), Cuvier's gazelle (Gazella cuvieri) and the Dorcas gazelle (Gazella Dorcas). The projects developed by the Conervation Biology Unit since 1996 are part of the development of concerted actions for key species belonging to  Appendix 1 of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS or Bonn Convention) and developed in consultation with the countries concerned.
Since the last CMS COP (December 2008), the cheetah (Acynonix jubatus), and the Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) were added to CMS appendix 1, and to the Concerted Action on Sahelo-Saharan Megafauna. In 2008 and 2009, under the CMS Sahelo-Saharan Megafauna Action Plan, efforts have focused primarily on scientific studies and socio-economic prerequisites for the establishment of a large protected area in the region Termit-Tin Touma in Niger.