The scimitar-horned oryx has an almost mythical appearance. Once common across Tunisia, Chad and Niger, scimitar-horned oryx experienced rapid population declines in the latter part of the 20th century due to over-hunting, persistent droughts and competition with livestock. The scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah) is one of four species of oryx, a genus of the antelope family. Scimitar-horned oryx are well adapted to desert life. Like many desert animals, scimitar-horned oryx can withstand a rise in body temperature by several degrees before they begin to sweat, meaning they can cope for long periods without water.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 15, 2023 01:17 UTC