Oryx leucoryx
Arabian oryx

Oryx leucoryx were originally found in Syria, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Sinai, and the Arabian Peninsula (Nowak, 1999; Wilson and Reeder, 1993).

Usually O. leucoryx are found in arid plains and deserts, however they have also been found to inhabit rocky hillsides and thick brush. Their habitat according to Nowak (1999) 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, and grasses."

Head and body length of O. leucoryx varies from 1,530 to 2,350 mm. Tail length is 450-900 mm, and shoulder height is 900-1,400 mm. A mane extends from the head to the shoulders and the tail is tufted. Males also have a tuft of hair on the throat. Both sexes have horns ranging from 600-1,500 mm in length. They are fairly straight and are directed backwards from the eyes. The horns of females are usually longer and thinner than the horns of males. In general, the coloration of adults varies from cream to grays and browns and they may have striking markings of black and brown as well. The young are shades of brown and have markings only on their tails and knees (Nowak, 1999).

When O. leucoryx are not eating or wandering their habitat, they dig shallow depressions in the soft ground under shrubs and trees for resting. They are able to detect rainfall from a great distance and move in the direction of fresh plant growth. Since rainfall is irregular they must travel over hundreds of square kilometers in no set pattern.

An introduced herd of O. leucoryx in Oman was reported, in 1983, to use a range of about 3,000 sq. km, compromising a series of separate suitable areas about 100-300 sq. km in size, which were occupied for 1-18 months at a time. The population density was 0.35/sq. km.

In 1993, it was noted that the occupied area of Oman had grown to 14,121 sq. km and contained 18 breeding herds, with a mean size of 5.8 individuals and a mean range of 57 sq. km. In addition, there were 10 solitary bulls with largely separate territories of 44-453 sq. km and a small bachelor herd.

Oryx are gregarious. Their normal group size is 10 animals or fewer, but as many as 100 individuals have been seen in one herd. Captive O. leucoryx have been maintained in herds consisting of a single dominant adult male and several adult females and young. Groups of bachelors are kept separately and establish a hierarchy amongst themselves through fighting and chases.

Oryx have been described as alert, wary, and keen sighted. They defend themselves by lowering their head so that their sharp horns point forward.

O. leucoryx feed on diverse types of grasses and shrubs found in their arid habitat. They go to streams and water holes to drink. When free water is not available, they can obtain moisture from sources such as melons and succulent bulbs which is sufficient for lengthy periods of time.

An introduced herd of O. leucoryx in Jordan was observed to have become active just after dawn, they grazed until about 1000hrs, rested from 1400hrs to 1500hrs, grazed again, then began to move toward a sleeping area around sunset (Nowak, 1999).

These animals could cause a negative effect on humans if their habitats overlap as oryx may consume crop plants. However, historically this has not been the case (Nowak, 1999).

O. leucoryx have many positive benefits for humans. The meat is greatly appreciated, their hides are valued for leather, and other parts have alleged medicinal uses. The head is also highly valued as a trophy (Nowak, 1999).

O. leucoryx is also classified as endangered by the USDI.

The last known individuals in the wild were killed in 1972, and there are unconfirmed reports from as late as 1979. However, in the 1950's efforts were made in several Arabian countries to establish captive herds. In 1962, some Arabian oryx were taken from the wild and were brought to the U.S. These animals served as the foundation of an international breeding effort and for reintroductions into the wild in Oman in 1982, Jordan in 1983, and central Saudi Arabia in 1990. There are now approximately 500 individuals in the wild, 300 in captivity on the Arabian Peninsula, and 2,000 held elsewhere (such as the Phoenix and San Diego zoos). Despite the former severe reduction of the species, its current genetic variability is considered normal (Nowak, 1999; Wilson and Reeder, 1993; Burton, 1987).

Oryx leucoryx are also known as Arabian oryx (Nowak, 1999).