# scimitar oryx (*Oryx dammah*) The scimitar oryx is a beautiful antelope with long, curved horns. They are known for their striking appearance and can survive in very dry places, making them special in the animal kingdom. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Desert ![scimitar oryx](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Oryx_Dammah.jpg&width=800) Photo: Albinfo, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oryx_Dammah.jpg) ## Appearance The scimitar oryx has a striking white coat, with a reddish-brown chest and neck. Its most distinct features are its long, ringed, scimitar-shaped horns that curve backward, and a dark marking on its forehead and nose. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Artiodactyla - **Family:** Bovidae - **Genus:** Oryx ## Interesting facts - A baby scimitar oryx is born with a special camouflage coat to stay hidden. - Their amazing horns can grow over three feet long, like two big swords! - These oryx were once extinct in the wild, but now they are being reintroduced! - They form herds that huddle close, creating shade for each other in the sun. ## Special abilities - **Water Whisperer:** Scimitar oryx can survive long periods without drinking because they get most of their water from the plants they eat. - **Desert Cooler:** Scimitar oryx has a light-colored coat and specialized body systems that help them stay cool in extreme desert heat. - **Horned Defender:** Scimitar oryx can use their long, sharp, curved horns to powerfully defend themselves from predators in the desert. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 140-240 cm - **Weight:** 100-210 kg - **Lifespan:** 15-20 years - **Speed:** 60 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1 - **Gestation:** 240-270 days ## Diet & Feeding Scimitar oryx are herbivores, munching on grasses, leaves, and other desert plants. - **Primary Foods:** Grasses, Leaves, Succulent plants, Wild melons, Herbs - **Foraging Method:** Grazing ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Lion (*Panthera leo*) — Lions are a historical predator of the scimitar oryx. - **Eaten by:** Cheetah (*Acinonyx jubatus*) — Young oryx calves were vulnerable to swift cheetah attacks. - **Eats:** Umbrella Thorn Acacia (*Acacia tortilis*) — They browse on leaves and pods from this hardy desert tree. - **Eats:** Desert Gourd (*Citrullus colocynthis*) — Scimitar oryx eat the fruits of this plant for hydration. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Horned](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/horned): Characterized by having one or more hard, permanent, pointed projections on the head. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Thermoregulating](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/thermoregulating): Thermoregulating organisms maintain a stable internal body temperature despite fluctuations in the external environment. - [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Always observe animals from a safe distance and never try to touch or feed them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify scimitar oryx? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is scimitar oryx? 140-240 cm ### How much does scimitar oryx weigh? 100-210 kg ### How long does scimitar oryx live? 15-20 years ### How fast can scimitar oryx move? 60 km/h ### What does scimitar oryx eat? Scimitar oryx are herbivores, munching on grasses, leaves, and other desert plants. ### Where is scimitar oryx usually found? Desert ### How does scimitar oryx hunt? Grazing ## Where to spot - [Triangle Metro Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/triangle-metro-zoo) — North Carolina, US · Zoo ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Scimitar Oryx: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/scimitar-oryx)