The scimitar-horned oryx is a victim of uncontrolled hunting, habitat loss, droughts, and continued warfare in its region. It is valued for its meat and hide, and its horns have made it a prized sport trophy. Oryx must also compete with intense domestic cattle grazing.
In the early 1970s the scimitar-horned oryx, together with the addax, were considered the most endangered of the African antelope. Most founder bloodlines for scimitars currently found in North America and Europe come from two captures that took place in Chad in 1963 and 1966. While they have done well in captivity, they have not been so fortunate in the wild.
The scimitar-horned oryx is named for its long curving horns, which may reach over 3 feet. In fact, the scimitar is the only oryx with curved horns. They use their horns mainly for ritualized sparring competitions between rival males and sometimes during courtship. Its coat is white, with a chestnut brown neck and chest, and a brown stripe over its eyes. They are perfectly camouflaged for desert dwelling.
The scimitar is a highly selective feeder and utilizes plants with high water and protein content. Because of their ability to locate and select these plants and physiologically conserve water, this oryx is capable of going for months without a free water source.
One calf is born after a gestation period of 8 months and nurse until about 5 months of age. Calves also form groups within the herd called “crèches”. |
