Scimitar Horned Oryx
Oryx dammah
Class: Mammalia Order: Artiodactyla Family: Bovidae
Size
Height: 4.6 ft at the shoulder
Weight: 220-460 lbs
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Grass, herbs, roots, & buds
Habitat & Range
Desert and semi-desert region of Africa known as the “Great Steppe”
At the Zoo
You can find our Scimitar-Horned Oryxes in the African Plains exhibit, along with our Grant’s Zebras and Ostriches.
Interesting Facts
Scimitar-horned oryxes are recognized by their long curved horns that may reach 36 inches in length. Both males and females have horns, however the horns of females are more slender.
These oryxes have adapted to living in arid environments. For example, they have capillaries near their nasal passages that, when they breath, cool blood flowing to their brain. Their white hair also helps reflect the heat of the sun. They also have wide hooves to help them walk over sand without sinking.
During times when water is scarce, they can raise their body temperature to 116°F. At this temperature, heat leaves their body for the surrounding cooler air without losing water to perspiration.
Scimitar-horned oryxes may have contributed to the myth of unicorns. From certain angles, an oryx may appear to have a single horn. Also, their horns do not grow back if lost, so the myth may be based on sightings of injured individuals.
Conservation Status
Endangered
Threats
This species is currently considered endgangered as the result of overhunting and habitat loss. Once considered extinct in the wild, this species has been reintroduced to their native range.
