Ecology and Behavior
The scimitar oryx is a very sociable animal, so they form herds of mixed sex (the sex ratio being 50:50) containing up to 70 animals. Though not observed, bachelor males are believed to form their own herds. They once gathered in groups of several thousand for migration. During the wet season, herds migrated north into the Sahara Desert. Most often in any particular herd, an alpha bull would dominate. Usually, these bulls provided guidance to the herd for their movements. A diurnal animal, the scimitar oryx rests in the cool early mornings and evenings. Resting places include under trees and shrubs, but when neither are available, they dig holes in the soil with their hooves and rest there. The males fight several times, but these fights do not last long and are not violent. Mostly weak and young oryx can be killed by predators, such as lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, golden jackals, vultures and Cape hunting dogs.
In a study, the play activity of eight calves in captivity was observed. Male calves played for longer periods of time than female calves did. Mixed sex play was usual. Selection of partners depended on age, but not on sex and genetic relatedness. Results suggested that size dimorphism was an important factor responsible for sex differences in play.
Read more about this topic: Scimitar Oryx
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