oryx

Oryx is a genus of large antelopes in the family Bovidae, subfamily Hippotraginae. The genus comprises four extant species: the gemsbok (Oryx gazella), the scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah), the beisa oryx (Oryx beisa), and the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx). Native to arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, oryxes have adapted to desert life with heat-reflective pale coats, distinctive facial markings, and long straight or slightly curved horns in both sexes.

They are herbivores, browsing and grazing on grasses, leaves, shrubs, and fruit. They can go long periods without water, obtaining most moisture from plants, and are capable of drinking brackish water if available. In the wild they form small to large herds; males may establish territories or herds, and social groups can show seasonal changes. Reproduction occurs year-round in some species, with a gestation around eight to nine months, yielding a single calf.

Conservation status varies by species and region. Habitat loss, hunting, and fragmentation have affected several populations. The scimitar-horned oryx, once extinct in the wild, has seen reintroduction programs in parts of Africa, while the Arabian oryx has become a notable conservation success through captive breeding and rewilding efforts. The gemsbok remains relatively widespread in its range, commonly listed as of least concern in many assessments.

Etymology: The name oryx is derived from the Greek oryx, meaning “swift” or “swift animal,” a reference to their speed and long legs.