TABLE OF CONTENTS - National Zoo

Appendix 4: CRC mammal species
ARABIAN ORYX
(Oryx leucoryx)
Herbivore
Description: Arabian oryxes have black and white face masks that recall the head
markings of the gazelles. The arabian oryx is white, and has very dark brown, almost
black, hair on its legs and face. The tail is tufted, and males have a tuft of hair on
the throat. The ears are fairly short, broad, and rounded at the tips. Both sexes
have horns that can be up to 4 feet long. Their horns are fairly straight and directed
backward from the eyes.
Teeth: The oryx has no upper incisors or canines. They do have three pairs of
incisors and 0-1 pair of canines in the lower jaw. They have three pairs of premolars
in the upper jaw and 2-3 pairs of premolars in the lower jaw. There are also three
pairs of molars in both the upper and lower jaws. The total number of teeth is 30-
32. The surfaces of their molars have a smooth texture.
Diet: The oryx diet consists of grasses and herbs, juicy roots and fruits, melons,
leaves, buds, and bulbs. They drink water when it is available, but they can go
without water for several days.
Range: Originally found in Syria, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Sinai, and the Arabian Peninsula.
Habitat: Habitat consists of flat and undulating gravel plains intersected by shallow
wadis and depressions, and the dunes edging sand deserts, with a diverse vegetation
of trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses.
Social Organization: The normal group size is 10 animals or fewer, but herds of up
to 100 have been reported. Groups are mostly females and young dominated by
one adult male.
Conservation Status: This species declined primarily because the expansion of the
oil industry led to hunting from motor vehicles with modern firearms. Its meat is
greatly esteemed, its hide is valued as leather, other parts have alleged medicinal
uses, and the head makes a choice trophy. They were extinct in the wild until the
success of recent reintroduction programs in Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
Sources: Arabian Oryx Species Survival Plan Fact Sheet. Acting SSP Coordinator:
Jerry Brown, Phoenix Zoo, 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008.
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