Lincoln Park Zoo

Common name: Arabian oryx
Latin Name: Oryx leucoryx

Class: Mammals
Order:    Artiodactyla

Description
These antelopes have long, straight horns. About three feet high at the shoulders, Arabian oryx can weigh as much as 150 pounds. They have white bodies with dark markings on the face and legs. Males have hair tufts on their throats. Females have longer horns.

Range
Historically dispersed throughout the Arabian Peninsula and neighboring regions, the wild Arabian oryx today exists today only in reintroduction territories in Oman and Jordan.

Status
Endangered. Hunted to the brink of extinction, their numbers are returning in controlled environments thanks to captive-breeding programs.

Habitat
Plains, desert regions, rocky terrain and thick brush.

Niche
Arabian oryx will dig shallow spaces in soil in which to rest. They can detect rainfall from miles away and will travel great distances to find water.

Life History
While normal Arabian oryx herds are about 10 strong, groups of hundreds have been spotted. Small herds consist of a dominant male, his harem and offspring. When threatened and unable to flee they will use their pointy horns as weapons.

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Special Adaptations

  • Arabian oryx can detect water from miles away and will travel great distances to find it.