Scimitar Oryx
Today we are going to talk about a different animal: the scimitar oryx. In this article, we’ll tell you all about it, as well as the reasons why it was declared extinct in its wild.
Who is the scimitar oryx?
The genus Oryx encompasses the antelope called orices. Four different species are known, but one of them stands out for its beauty: the scimitar oryx ( Oryx dammah ).
We are talking about robust animals, with weight records between 140 and 200 kilos. They also stand out for their short legs that end in a wide hull.
The body of these animals has a coat in which the white color predominates. However, the feet and the neck and chest area take on a reddish color.
As you might have guessed, the most impactful thing about these animals is their horns.
awesome horns
Both males and females have impressive ring-shaped horns. They can measure up to a meter and, as they grow, they curve backwards.
This curious shape gave them the name with which these animals are known, as it resembles the curved sabers and swords used by some peoples of the East.
When there are disputes over territory or hierarchy, they use their powerful horns to defend and attack in fights. Those who are fighting each other beat their horns in parallel, so they rarely get hurt.
Habitat and Feeding of the Scimitar Oryx
Before their disappearance, these antelopes inhabited arid and semi-desert grassland regions of North Africa, and even entered the Sahara desert during some periods. It is believed that in ancient times the Egyptian people domesticated the scimitar oryx to consume its meat.
Their diet is based on grass pastures and different species of shrubs. Like other desert animals, they are adapted to survive long periods without drinking water, being able to extract only what they find in fruits and succulents.
Why did they disappear into nature?
The first reason for their disappearance has to do with the excessive hunting that these animals suffered. Their extraordinary horns have made them the victims of hunters in recent decades.
On the other hand, the loss and degradation of its habitat also contributed to its disappearance. The occupation of its territory by humans, as well as livestock and competition with domestic animals for resources, have reduced the population of the scimitar oryx.
In 1985, it was possible to count and register only about 500 specimens of the species. Since the year 2000, there is no firm evidence of its presence in nature. This caused the two scimitar oryx to be officially considered extinct from the wild by the IUCN.
To prevent the species from being totally lost, some countries such as Tunisia and Senegal carried out a captive breeding program. Gradually, couples were released into nature reserves to try to recover this wonderful animal.
