Arabian oryx are beautiful white antelopes with noble heads, a typical dark face mask and long, only slightly curved horns. A snow-white beauty! They are the smallest species of the oryx and perfectly adapted to a life in the desert with high temperatures and little water. Originally they were widespread in West Asia, but due to intensive hunting this species would have become almost extinct. Conservation breeding with a few remaining specimens was able to save this species.
Profile of the Arabian Oryx antelope (Oryx leucoryx)
Systematics | Order: Artiodactyla / Suborder: Ruminant (Ruminantia) / Family: Bovidea |
Species name | Scientific: Oryx leucoryx / Trivial: Arabian Oryx antelope & White Oryx antelope / Bedouin name: Maha = the visible |
characteristics | white fur, dark face mask, males and females with about 60cm long horns |
Height Weight | Shoulder height approx. 80 centimeters, smallest species of the oryx antelopes / approx. 70kg (male> female) |
Reproduction | Sexual maturity at 2,5-3,5 years / gestation period approx. 8,5 months / litter size 1 young animal |
Life expectancy | 20 years in zoos |
Living Space | Deserts, semi-deserts and steppe areas |
Way of life | diurnal, mixed-sex herds with around 10 animals, rarely up to 100 animals, bucks occasionally individually, hike in search of forage |
Nutrition | Grasses and herbs |
distribution area | West asia |
Population size | approx. 850 sexually mature wild animals worldwide (Red List 2021), in addition several thousand animals in near-natural, fenced areas |
Protection status | Almost extinct in 1972, populations are recovering, Red List 2021: vulnerable, population stable |
Nature & animals • Animal lexicon • Mammals • Artifacts • Arabian Oryx
Last minute rescue!
Why would the white oryx almost become extinct?
The white antelope was hunted intensively for its meat, but above all as a trophy. The last wild Arabian oryx was poached in Oman and in 1972 all wild animals of this species were exterminated. Only a few Arabian oryx were in zoos or privately owned and thus avoided hunting.
How was the white antelope saved from extinction?
The first breeding attempts were started in zoos as early as the 1960s. The "forefathers of today's oryx" come from zoological gardens and private collections. In 1970, two years before the last wild white antelope was hunted, the Los Angeles and Phoenix zoos assembled the so-called "world herd" from these animals and started a breeding program. All Arabian oryx that live today are descended from only 9 animals. The breeding was successful, antelopes were brought to other zoos and also bred there. Thanks to a worldwide conservation breeding program, the species was saved from extinction. In the meantime, some oryx have been released back into the wild and numerous animals live in near-natural, fenced areas.
Where are Arabian oryx found again in the meantime?
The first antelopes were released back into the wild in Oman in 1982. In 1994 this population peaked with 450 animals. Unfortunately, poaching increased and most of the animals released were returned to captivity for protection. The IUCN Red List (as of 2021, published 2017) indicates that there are currently only about 10 wild Arabian oryx left in Oman. In the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan about 80 animals should live. Israel is mentioned with a population of about 110 wild Arabian Oryx. The countries with the most wild white oryx are given as the UAE with approx. 400 animals and Saudi Arabia with approx. 600 animals. In addition, around 6000 to 7000 animals are kept in fully fenced enclosures.
AGE ™ has discovered Arabian oryx for you:
Where can you see Arabian oryx antelopes?
Under General Secretariat for the Conservation of the Arabian Oryx you will find information on how many Arabian oryx live in which states. However, most animals are not considered to be wild. They live in fenced protected areas and are supported by additional feeding and watering.
The photographs for this article were taken in 2019 Shaumari Wildlife Reserve in Jordan. The nature reserve has participated in the conservation breeding program since 1978 and offers Safari tours in the fenced natural habitat.
Fabulous:
The myth of the unicorn
Ancient descriptions suggest that the unicorn is not a mythical creature, but actually existed. However, it is described as an animal with split hooves, so that it probably did not belong to the horses, but to the cloven-hoofed animals. One theory suggests that unicorns were actually Arabian oryx before this animal was mythologized. Geographical distribution, coat color, size and shape of the horns fit perfectly. It is also known that the Egyptians depicted oryx antelopes in side view with only one horn. The horns overlap when you look at the animal from the side. Was this how the unicorn was born?
Nature & animals • Animal lexicon • Mammals • Artifacts • Arabian Oryx
Arabian Oryx Facts and Thoughts (Oryx leucoryx):
- Symbol of the desert: Arabian oryxes are considered a symbol of the desert regions of the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula. It is a fascinating example of the ability to adapt to extreme habitats.
- White beauty: Oryx are known for their striking white fur and elegant horns. This appearance has made them an iconic animal.
- Endangered status: In the past, the Arabian Oryx was critically endangered and even considered extinct. However, thanks to successful conservation programs, their population has been restored.
- Nomads of the desert: These antelopes are desert migrants and may be able to find watering holes over long distances, which is crucial in arid environments.
- Social animals: Arabian oryxes live in herds consisting of family groups. This shows the importance of community and cooperation in nature.
- adaptability: The Arabian Oryx reminds us of the importance of adapting to changing environments and finding new ways to survive in difficult habitats.
- Beauty in simplicity: The simple elegance of the Arabian Oryx shows how natural beauty often lies in simplicity and how that beauty can touch our soul.
- Conservation of biodiversity: The success of the Arabian Oryx conservation programs highlights the importance of conservation and how we as humans can help protect and restore endangered species.
- Living space and sustainability: The Arabian Oryx lives in an extreme habitat and teaches us the importance of considering the sustainability of our resources and lifestyle.
- Symbols of hope: The restoration of the Arabian Oryx population shows that even in seemingly hopeless situations, hope and change are possible. This can encourage us to believe in the power of change and protection of nature.
The Arabian oryx is not only a remarkable animal in the wildlife world, but also a source of inspiration for philosophical reflections on adaptability, beauty, community and the protection of our environment.
Nature & animals • Animal lexicon • Mammals • Artifacts • Arabian Oryx
Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) (2010): Arabian Oryx Regional Conservation Strategy and Action Plan. [online] Retrieved on April 06.04.2021th, XNUMX, from URL: https://www.arabianoryx.org/En/Downloads/Arabian%20oryx%20strategy.pdf [PDF file]
General Secretariat for the Conservation of the Arabian Oryx (2019): Member States. [online] Retrieved on April 06.04.2021th, XNUMX, from URL: https://www.arabianoryx.org/En/SitePages/MemberStates.aspx
IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group. (2017): Oryx leucoryx. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017. [online] Retrieved on April 06.04.2021, XNUMX, from URL: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/15569/50191626
Josef H. Reichholf (January 03.01.2008rd, 06.04.2021): Fabulous unicorn. [online] Retrieved on April XNUMXth, XNUMX, from URL: https://www.welt.de/welt_print/article1512239/Fabelhaftes-Einhorn.html
Wikipedia authors (22.12.2020/06.04.2021/XNUMX): Arabian Oryx. [online] Retrieved on April XNUMXth, XNUMX, from URL: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabische_Oryx