Scimitar-Horned Oryx
Oryx dammah
WILD STATUS
Extinct in the wild.
DISTRIBUTION
Now extinct in the wild, they were once found in the northern African countries of Egypt, Senegal and Chad. They have been reintroduced in Tunisia, Morocco and Senegal.
SIZE
Weight: 100-200 kg (220-460 lbs).
Height: 1.2-1.8 m (4’-6’).
HABITAT
Arid plains and deserts and to a lesser extent, rocky hillsides and thick brush.
REPRODUCTION
Gestation period of 8 to 8.5 months with a single calf being born.
DIET
Grasses, herbs, juicy roots and buds.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
- Scientists believe that they were once able to live up to 20 years of age in the wild.
- Lived in herds of 20-40 individuals, led by a single male.
- During migration and time of plentiful water, herds of up to 1,000 or more were seen.
- Oryx are able to raise their body temperature by several degrees, up to 46º C (116º F) to conserve water by avoiding sweating.
- Causes that contributed to extinction include: human encroachment on habitat, hunting and excessive domestic livestock grazing on limited vegetation.
ANIMAL FACT SHEET
To download the information from this page and also get a full page photo of the Scimitar-Horned Oryx click here for a PDF.
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