Animal Behavior: Oryxes usually travel in herds ranging in size from 2 to 40. Most often in any particular herd there is a dominant or alpha bull which usually provide the guidance for the herd as to when it will move, and where. They maintain tight control over marching formation and chase down any stragglers with persistence.

Eating Habits: The scimitar horned oryx is herbivorous, feeding on annual grasses, herbs, juicy roots, buds, and when water is scarce, fruits and vegetables.

Range: The scimitar horned oryx is found in the desert to semidesert region of Africa known as the "Great Steppe." This area is a strip of arid grassland extending from Senegal to central Sudan, which borders the southern edge of the Sahara Desert.

Conservation Efforts: The scimitar horned oryx's range has been greatly reduced, especially in the north, their numbers have stayed relatively high due to the large numbers living in captivity. Several large game preserves, mainly in Texas, have instigated successful programs for breeding the scimitar horned oryx. However, its habitat is being destroyed and reintroduction of large populations may prove difficult. IUCN Red List - Extinct in the wild. US Federal List - endangered.

Animal Facts: The average lifespan in captivity is 27.5 years. There is only one calf per birth, weighing an average of 20 to 33 pounds.