Overview
Has ears that are long and pointed, with a distinctive tuft of long hairs at the tips. The horns are shorter and less divergent than the gemsbok's, being similar to those of the Beisa oryx but heavier. The overall color is a richer brown than in other oryx; the black flank bands are narrow (narrowest of any common oryx) and there are no black markings on rump or hind legs. The black facial stripes usually do not join to form a band above the muzzle, therefore, in most individuals, the white stripes are continuous from above the eyes to the muzzle.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Oryx
- Species
- Oryx beisa
Habitat
Semi-arid grasslands, scrubland, and Acacia woodland. Distribution- Northeastern Tanzania and Kenya south of the Tana River.
Diet
Almost entirely a grazer.
Behavior
These animals travel across territories of up to 150 square miles in search for suitable food, and live in nomadic herds of 25 or more individuals.
Hunting
Spot and stalk methods. They are very wary and are found in the areas that make an unnoticed stalk difficult, especially when they are in a herd. In some areas, an approach can be made behind red Maasai clothing or even a black umbrella that makes you resemble an ostrich.
Conservation Status
Listed as Vulnerable by IUCN, with an expected total population of less than 10,000 individuals.