Facts About Oryx

One of three or four large antelope species of the genus Oryx, Oryx traces its roots to Africa. The animal boasts of long, straight, almost-upright or swept-back horns, along with thick, horse-like neck, short mane and a compact, muscular body. One of the prominent characteristics of Oryx is a white face and fawn-colored body, with a defined pattern of black markings. The animal has black triangular patches on the head and broad black stripes that extend from the base of the horns over the eyes to the cheeks. To know some more interesting facts and amazing information on Oryx, browse through the following lines.

Facts About Oryx

Binomial Name: Oryx gazella

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Artiodactyla

Superfamily:

Family: Bovidae

Subfamily: Hippotraginae

Genus: Oryx

Species: 4

Weight: 250 to 390 pounds

Average Lifespan: 20 years

Diet: Herbivorous/grazer

Habitat: Dry plains

Gestation Period: 8½ months

Number of Offspring: 1

Interesting & Amazing Information On Oryx

Oryx prefer to live in large herds, which comprise of about 600 animals.
It is a bit strange, but new born Oryx are able to run with the herd immediately after birth.
While Oryx usually has a narrow and straight horn, the Scimitar Oryx’s horns are curved backwards, like a scimitar.
Oryx is often called the sabre antelope, because it has been known to kill lions with its horns.
The horns of female Oryx are often longer and thinner than those of its male counterpart.
Oryx is a fine example of an antelope who successfully adapts toharsh conditions of dispersed food, intense heat and little or no water.
Upon seeing a predator, such as lion, wild dog and hyena, Oryx usually runs away.
The ringed horns of an Oryx are up to 30 inches long, making them formidable weapons.
The species of Oryx found in the Southern part of Africa has long horns and is fondly known as the Gemsbok.
The east African variety of Oryx is smaller in size, with shorter horns and is called the Beisa.
Young Oryx test each other’s strength through a fight. Though it looks like a game, it is actually a test of strength. Once the hierarchy is established, the fights get reduced.
Oryx performs a slow, prancing walk, sometimes breaking into a gallop.
Oryx have a keen sense of smell, which alerts them of rain. This helps, as then they quickly assemble a group, to feed on new growth.
Though Oryx usually sustains on group living, they give importance to individual needs as well.
Scimitar-horned Oryx have an interesting way to deal with shortage of water. They raise their body temperature by several degrees, (up to 116 degrees Fahrenheit), to avoid sweating, thereby conserving water.

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