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Arabian oryx

mammal
Also known as: Oryx leucoryx, white oryx

Quick Summary

The Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) is a species of antelope native to the deserts and dry plains of the Arabian Peninsula. It is the smallest of the oryx species, standing about 102 cm (40 inches) tall and weighing around 75 kg (165 pounds). Its coat is whitish, with only faint dark markings.12

These animals are known for their long, straight horns, which are present in both males and females, though thinner in females. Arabian oryxes are classified as coarse grazers, feeding on grasses and digging for roots and tubers. They are well-adapted to arid conditions and can survive without drinking for extended periods.2

The Arabian oryx was once endangered, with the last wild individuals captured in the early 1970s. Captive breeding programs and reintroduction efforts have seen some success, but poaching remains a threat.12

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