Scimitar-horned Oryx
IUCN
EN
Basic Information
Scientific classification
- name：Scimitar-horned Oryx
- Scientific Name：Oryx dammah
- Outline：Ungulata
- Family：Bovidae Oryx
Vital signs
- length：Head–body 140–200 cm; shoulder 100–125 cm
- Weight：90–140 kg
- lifetime：15–18 years in the wild; 20+ in managed care
Feature
Heat‑tolerant; pale heat‑reflecting coat; long backward‑curving horns; reintroduction flagship.
Distribution and Habitat
Semi‑arid grasslands, Sahel scrub and sandy plains near the Sahara edge
Appearance
White/cream body with chestnut neck patch; paired horns usually >1 m; broad hooves for sand.
Details
Scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah) is a Sahel–Sahara antelope once widespread across North Africa. Heavy hunting and habitat loss caused its disappearance from the wild; it is now listed as Extinct in the Wild (EW). Since 2016, reintroduction projects in Chad have built free‑ranging, breeding herds supported by GPS tracking and aerial monitoring.
Range & Habitat
Semi‑arid grasslands and thorn scrub on sandy/stony plains along the Sahara fringe; today mainly within reintroduction areas and fenced reserves.
Ecology
Herds track fresh growth after rain; diet includes grasses, herbs and Acacia pods. A pale coat reflects heat; activity peaks in cool hours. Long, scimitar‑shaped horns are used for defence and social display.
Reproduction
Breeding age 2–3 years; gestation ~8–9 months; single calf. Wild lifespan 15–18 years, longer under management.
Threats & Conservation
Historic overhunting and proliferation of firearms.
Habitat degradation/fragmentation from overgrazing and infrastructure.
Climate variability and prolonged droughts.
Recovery depends on ex‑situ breeding, staged releases, anti‑poaching patrols, community partnerships and genetic management.
FAQ
Q1. Where can it be seen now?
Mostly in reintroduction sites in Chad and in managed reserves or safari parks.
Q2. How does it cope with deserts?
It reduces daytime activity, forages in cool hours and gains metabolic water from food; the pale coat lowers heat load.
Q3. What distinguishes it from other oryx?
Longest, strongly curved horns; white/cream body with chestnut neck patch. Arabian oryx has straighter horns and smaller size.
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