Scimitar Oryx - Physical Description

Physical Description

Scimitar oryx is a spiral-horned antelope that is just over one meter (3.3 ft) at the shoulder. The males weigh 140–210 kg (310–460 lb) and females weigh 91–140 kilograms (200–310 lb). The body measures 140 to 240 cm (55 to 94 in) from the head to the base of the tail. The tail is 45–60 cm (18–24 in) long, and ends with a tuft. Males are larger than females.

Its coat is white with a red-brown chest and black markings on the forehead and down the length of the nose. Calves are born with yellow coats and lack distinguishing marks, which appear later in life. Their pelages change to adult coloration at three to 12 months old. On a physiological level, the coat reflects the pale rays of the sun, while the black portions and tip of the tongue provide protection against sunburn. The white coat helps in reflecting the heat of the desert.

Both sexes bear horns, but the females are more slender. The horns are long, thin, and symmetrical, and curve backwards (a distinct feature of this species) and can reach 1.0 to 1.2 m (3 ft 3 in to 3 ft 10 in) on both the males and the females. The horns are so thin they can break easily. The female has four nipples. Their large, spread hooves are well-adapted to allow these antelopes to walk on the sand of their dry habitats. A scimitar oryx can live as long as 20 years. A female oryx died aged 21 at Smithsonian’s National Zoo, which is rather unusual as females generally have a lifespan of about 15 years.