13
SCIMITAR-HORNED ORYX Oryx dammah
Identification This is a large, powerfully built antelope. Both sexes
carry long horns (>1 m) that sweep backwards in a curve. The overall
body coloration is white to dirty white, with brown to chestnut on
the neck and chest. There are paler brown markings on the rump and
upper back legs. The face is white with a brown blaze. The tail is well
haired and mainly white, but darker towards the tip. Calves are fawn
in colour.
Size Shoulder height 1.2 m.
Weight 2 00 kg.
Habitat and Behaviour This is a species of semi-desert country
that penetrates true desert in search of fresh grazing. Although it is
mainly a grazer, it will readily take browse if grasses and herbs are not