(Oryx leucoryx)
WHAT KIND OF ANIMAL THIS IS?
The Arabian Oryx is one of the mammals. It is a creature well suited to the arid conditions of the desert. Medium-sized ant 
elope weighing 65 - 75 kg (140 - 170 lb). Prior to its extinction in the wild, it is believed to have occurred in flat and undulating gravel plains intersected by shallow wadis and depressions, and the dunes edging sand deserts
elope weighing 65 - 75 kg (140 - 170 lb). Prior to its extinction in the wild, it is believed to have occurred in flat and undulating gravel plains intersected by shallow wadis and depressions, and the dunes edging sand desertsSPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS/FEATURES:
It will live without water for up to 22 months, during the season it will drink dews from the available trees. Its white coat provides perfect camouflage except when it wishes to be seen; it will mount to the top of the hills and the sun's reflection on its coat means it can be seen for up to 3km. The oryx can Travel up to 4 - 6km/hour. The longest recorded distance the animal has travelled is 155km.
“The Arabian Oryx is able to detect rainfall over great distances and moves towards it to take advantage of the vegetation that springs up after a rain. The rainfall is irregular, and the Oryx must travel over an area of hundreds of sq km to obtain adequate food.”
“The Arabian Oryx is able to detect rainfall over great distances and moves towards it to take advantage of the vegetation that springs up after a rain. The rainfall is irregular, and the Oryx must travel over an area of hundreds of sq km to obtain adequate food.”
LIFE SPAN:
It has a life expectancy of 13 - 17 years in the wild.
DIET:
Main Diet is based on grasses. Apart from that its intake are Herbs, seedpods, fruit, fresh growth of trees, tubers and roots also form part of its diet. Its water intake is low when compared to other animals.
YOUNG ONE:
The first birth is usually between the ages of 25 and 46 months. Thus, under good conditions, 2-year old females should give birth. The Gestation period is of 9 months
Births can occur in any month. Under favorable conditions a female can produce a calf once a year. Births take place every 9.5 - 13.3 months. A young Oryx is usually weaned by the time it is 4.5 months old.
Births can occur in any month. Under favorable conditions a female can produce a calf once a year. Births take place every 9.5 - 13.3 months. A young Oryx is usually weaned by the time it is 4.5 months old.
EXCEPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
The Antelope is having several adaptations for the purpose of remaining self-regulating for the water sources to fulfill its water needs especially during Summer. Accordingly it will be in rest under the shades of the tree during hot part of the day. This is to conduct body heat into the ground to reduce water loss from evaporation; and it will be active in the night for selecting water-rich food species.
LIVING NATURE:
Basically this lives in nomadic herds that follow the rare rains, After the rainfall it can able to utilize the fresh plant growth. Usually lives in a group. Group size is 8 - 20 Numbers, but herds of up to 100 have been reported. It consists of all ages and both sexes. They normally stay together for a limited time. Oryx are friendly in nature; the low frequency of aggressive interactions allows animals to share scattered shade trees under which they may spend 8 hours of a day.
MAJOR REASON FOR DECLINE:
The main cause of the extinction of the Arabian Oryx in the wild was overhunting, both hunting by Bedouin for meat and hides as well as sport hunting by motorized parties.
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