Let’s Discover The Saber-horned Oryx
Today we will talk about a particular animal: the saber-horned oryx. We will tell you all about him, including the causes for which he was declared extinct in the wild.
Here are all the characteristics of the saber-horned oryx:
Saber-horned oryx: characteristics
The genus Oryx includes the so-called oryx antelopes: 4 distinct species are known, but one of them stands out for its beauty: the saber-horned oryx ( Oryx dammah ).
We are talking about a robust animal, with a weight ranging from 140 to 200 kg. It also stands out for its short legs and wide hooves.
But the most striking thing is its horns.
Of imposing horns
Both males and females possess impressive ringed horns. They can reach a meter and, as they grow, they curve backwards.
Its name derives from this curious shape, as it recalls the curved sabers that some peoples of the East used.
When there are disputes over territory and hierarchy, they use them to fight. Fighters aim at them in parallel, so they rarely get hurt.
Habitat and feeding of the saber-horned oryx
Before its disappearance, this antelope inhabited arid areas and semi-desert pastures north of Africa, entering the Sahara desert for some periods. It is believed that in ancient times the Egyptian people tamed the saber-horned oryx to consume its meat.
Its diet is based on grasses forages and various types of shrubs. Like other desert animals, it can survive for long periods of time without drinking water: it derives it solely from fruit and succulent plants.
Why did it disappear in the wild?
The first cause has to do with the overhunting this animal suffered. His extraordinary horns have made him a victim of hunters in recent decades.
On the other hand, the loss and degradation of its habitat have contributed to its disappearance. Human occupation of its territory, as well as breeding and competition with domestic animals for resources, have decreased its population.
In 1985, only about 500 copies were counted. Since 2000, there is no clear evidence of its presence in the wild. For this reason the IUCN has declared the saber-horned onyx as an extinct species in the wild.
To prevent it from disappearing totally, some countries such as Tunisia or Senegal have started a program to breed it in captivity. Gradually, some couples were released in the nature reserves to try to recover this wonderful animal.
