Addax Antelope
Addax nasomaculatus
WILD STATUS
Critically Endangered.
DISTRIBUTION
This sturdy antelope would inhabit the extreme desert regions of Saharan and Sub-Saharan Africa: Mauritania, Mali, Chad, Niger, Southern Algeria and Western Sudan.
SIZE
Males weigh 100-136 kg (220-300 lbs).
Females weigh 60-91 kg (132-200 lbs).
HABITAT
Addax prefer sand dune deserts and gravel plains. The Addax is most active from evening until early morning, preferring to rest during the heat of the day.
REPRODUCTION
Calves are born singly after approximately 260 day gestation period.
DIET
Mainly grazers supplemented by shoots and leaves.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
- Addax are the most desert adapted antelopes having specially designed “sand shoes” to prevent sinking into the sand. Their hooves are wide and flat and they have strong dewclaws.
- The horns are hollow and grow to 3’ on the male and 2’ on the female.
- The body is white on the underside to reflect heat from the desert sand.
- Addax dig beds in the sand with their forefeet to lie in and keep themselves cool during the day and to protect them from winds and sandstorms.
- If caves or trees are available in their natural habitat, they seek them out to find shelter from the sun.
- Addax rarely, if ever, drink water. They are specially adapted to absorb moisture from plants they eat.
- Babies are born the colour of the desert sand to provide them with camouflage until they can move around with the herd.
- Their normal summer white changes to brown during the winter
ANIMAL FACT SHEET
To download the information from this page and also get a full page photo of the Addax Antelope click here for a PDF.
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