Species Overview

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Artiodactyla

Family: Bovidae

Genus: Oryx

Species: Oryx dammah

Life Span: 18–20 years (in the wild)

Weight: 180–250 kg (397–551 lbs)

Height: 1.0–1.3 meters (3.3–4.3 feet) at the shoulder

Animal Behavior and Habits

Activity: Diurnal – active during the day, with peak activity in the early morning and late afternoon, especially in cooler weather.

Feeding Habits: Herbivores – graze on grasses, shrubs, and fruits. They are adapted to arid environments and can survive on sparse vegetation.

Social Structure: Live in herds of 5–20 individuals, with females and young typically in separate groups from mature males. Males are more solitary.

Hunting Approach: Spot-and-stalk is the most effective hunting method; they are often found in open desert plains or grasslands.

Habitat and Environment

Preferred Habitat: Dry, arid environments such as deserts, semi-deserts, and scrublands.

Water Sources: While they can survive on very little water, they are still found near sparse water sources such as seasonal waterholes or underground springs.

Best Hunting Locations: Look for them in open desert or savanna habitats with scattered vegetation or near waterholes.

Tracks and Trails: Cloven-hoofed tracks, often seen in sandy or dusty soil.

Signs: Look for feeding signs such as grazed vegetation, trails in the sand, and droppings near their grazing areas.