This gazelle inhabits a wide range of arid and semi-arid habitats, but avoids extensive areas of dunes and hyperarid areas (Cuzin 2003, Lafontaine et al. 2005). It preferentially inhabits sparsely vegetated rocky plains (Cooke et al. in press). The species has the ability to make seasonal shifts that allow it to exploit localised areas with high-quality and moisture-rich forage (Dragesco-Joffé 1993, East 1999)

Dorcas Gazelle formerly occurred over the entire Sahelo-Saharan region (Durant et al. 2014), from the Mediterranean to the southern Sahel and from the Atlantic to the Red Sea, and extending into southern Israel, Syria and Jordan (marginal occurrence). And Horn of Africa. The species became extinct in Senegal, where it probably only occurred as a vagrant or a seasonal visitor (East 1999), and animals have subsequently been released into protected areas although there is no recent information on their status. They are possibly extinct in Nigeria, and their current status in Burkina Faso is unclear (Lafontaine et al. 2005).

Dorcas Gazelles occur in many protected areas throughout their range, including: M'Sabih Talâa Reserve and El Kheng Reserve (Morocco); Tassili and Ahaggar National Parks (Algeria); Bou-Hedma, Sidi Toui, Dghoumes, Oued Dekouk and Djebil National Parks (Tunisia); New Hisha Nature Reserve, Sabratha, Surman and El-Kouf National Park (Libya); Elba National Park and Saint Catherine Protectorate (Egypt); Banc d'Arguin National Park (Mauritania); Ouadi Rimé - Ouadi Achim Reserve (Chad); and Mille-Sardo Wildlife Reserve (Ethiopia) (Scholte and Hashim 2013). In Libya, the New Hisha Nature Reserve, Sabratha, and Surman populations are enclosed, whereas the El-Kouf National Park is free-living (T. Jdeidi pers. comm.). There are several other populations in protected areas in Morocco, but the populations listed above (M'Sabih Talâa Reserve and El Kheng Reserve) are particularly valuable as they are known to be of local origin (Cuzin et al. 2007).
Dorcas Gazelle do well in captivity, and are particularly common in several privately owned, captive collections in the Middle East (most originating from Egypt, the horn of Africa and Sudan) (Scholte and Hashim 2013). Additionally, there is a well-managed captive population in Almeria (Spain), originating from Western Saharan stock.

The species is listed on the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) Appendix I and included in the CMS Sahelo-Saharan Antelopes Action Plan. It is also legally protected or partially so in several range states, and it is listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix III (Algeria, Tunisia).