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These large African antelopes prefer dry,
near-desert conditions and can survive without water for long
periods. The smallest species, the Arabian oryx, is now almost
extinct, and another, the scimitar-horned oryx of the Sahara
is on the endangered list. Oryxes live in herds of up to 60 animals.
Newborn calves are able to run with the herd immediately after
birth. Both males and females possess permanent, narrow horns.
The female’s are slightly longer and slimmer than the male’s.
These horns are quite lethal, and the oryx has been known to
kill lions with them. They are also the reason this animal is
sometimes called the sabre antelope. |
