Gemsbok

Species

There are 4 species of oryx, three found in parts of Africa. One species (Oryx beisa) has two subspecies.

Oryx gazella
Oryx beisa
: Oryx beisa callitis
: Oryx beisa beisa
Oryx dammah
Oryx leucoryx

Gemsbok
East African
: East African fringe eared oryx
: Beisa oryx
Scimitar-horned oryx
Arabian (white) oryx

Population

The gemsbok is the most common species of oryx and is considered of least concern by the IUCN (2016). There are around 373,000 gemsbok. However, the East African fringe-eared oryx is vulnerable (2018) with 3,000-4,000 individuals and the beisa is considered endangered (2018) with 8,000-9,000 individuals.
The scimitar-horned oryx was last assessed in 2016 as extinct in the wild. They have been successfully bred in zoos and small groups have been reintroduced into northern central Africa (see yellow box for more info).
Thought to be extinct in the wild in 1972, the Arabian oryx has been reintroduced into Oman and is now classified as vulnerable (2016). However, there are still more Arabian oryx in zoos & private collections than in the wild.

Size

The gemsbok is the largest oryx species. It measures 115 - 125 cm at the shoulder and has a body length of 180-195 cm. Males oryx weigh 180 - 240 kg and females weigh 180-255 kg.
East African oryxes are 110 - 120 cm tall at the shoulder, 160 -190 cm body length and weigh 150 - 200 kg.
The scimitar-horned oryx stands 120cm at the shoulder with an average body length of 170cm. The average weight is 177.5 kg. Horns average 1 metre is length.
The Arabian oryx stands 90 - 140 cm at the shoulder, body length ranges from 153 - 235 cm and weight ranges from 100 - 210 kg. Horns range form 60 - 150 cm long.

Habitat & distribution

The oryx is a desert antelope. The gemsbok is found in wooded grasslands and also wetter grasslands. They prefer stony plains with some access to water. The can survive in dunes, rocky mountains and arid habitats. The gemsbok is found in southern Africa (Namibia, Botswana and northern South Africa).
The fringe-eared oryx is found in parts of Kenya and Tanzania. The beisa oryx is found in Ethiopia and northern Kenya. These subspecies are separated by the Tana river.

Back from the brink of extinction

Two oryx species have come back from the brink of extinction. The scimitar-horned oryx was thought to be extinct in the wild in the 1980s caused by hunting and habitat loss due to competition with domestic livestock. It was officially declared extinct in the wild by the IUCN in 2000. Luckily, scimitar-horned oryxes still existed in captivity. In 2012 numerous organisations, including the Chadian government, have seen 150 released back into the wild in Chad (central Africa) over several years. Fitted with GPS collars, the movements can be tracked. There is thought to be <1,800 scimitar-horned oryx left in the world and are still classified as extinct in the wild as at 2016.
The Arabian oryx was also hunted and captured for private sale leading to their extinction in the wild in 1972. However, in 1961, "Operation Oryx" was launched and small number were moved to zoos for captive breeding. In 1982, they were reintroduced into Oman and the programme looked like it was heading for success when oryx numbers reached 400 in 1996. Unfortunately, illegal poaching still continued and numbers dropped. Females were moved to protective enclosures to continue breeding. Efforts in Jordan and Saudi Arabia saw numbers in the wild increase.
In 2011, the Arabian oryx was reclassified as vulnerable. Today, there are 1,000 in the wild with a further 6,000 - 7,000 in zoos, preserves and private collections around the world. The largest breeding programme is in the United Arab Emirates (3,000 oryx).

Diet

Oryx are grazers but will browse during drought conditions or when grass is not available. They will dig up to 1 metre to find roots and tubers. Wild tsama melons and cucumbers are consumed for their water content. Oryx are smart eaters - they eat late at night or early in the morning when the water content of plants is at its maximum and to take in the dew formed on plants.

Interesting facts

~ Ancient Egyptians used to bind the horns of the oryx together so they resembled a unicorn. The horns are slightly curved and have a ringed pattern. They can grow from 60 - 150 cm in length although the average is 85 cm. The females actually have longer horns but they are more slender.
~ Oryx species have an unusual adaption. They can tolerate internal body temperatures of 45°C (usually 35.7°C). This delays evaporative cooling (sweating) to conserve body water.

Group

Oryx are nomadic but can form groups of 50 to 600 in the rainy season or if they are a migratory group. Oryx often form mixed herds although males (bucks) are often solitary or form bachelor herds. Groups can be territorial and led by a dominant (alpha) male with a dominant female (doe). In larger herds, there can also be a beta male.

Breeding & lifespan

Gestation is 8.5 months. One calf is born and is kept hidden from the herd for 6 weeks.
Oryx can live to 18 years in the wild.

Predators & threats

Lions, cheetahs, leopards and spotted hyenas prey on gemsbok. In the northern part of their range, oryx calves form 80% of hyena kills.
Humans cause habitat loss and poaching or illegal live capture is always a threat.