Zvíře
Scimitar-horned oryx
An antelope of the dry Sahara margins, and a species brought back through captive breeding.
Jazyk obsahu
Long horns curving backwards gave the scimitar-horned oryx its name, recalling a curved sword. This African antelope inhabited dry land around the edges of the Sahara. Its pale coat helps reduce heat gain, while its food supplies some of the water it needs. Oryx can go for long periods without drinking by obtaining moisture from plants.
Their diet changes with conditions. When grass is available they graze; in the dry season they also eat other plants, including moisture-rich wild melons. Life at the desert's edge depends on this seasonal supply of vegetation. Oryx once travelled there in large herds.
In 2000, the species was declared Extinct in the Wild. Animals maintained in captivity later made it possible to restore populations in Africa. Reintroduction in Chad established a breeding wild population, and in December 2023 IUCN changed its category to Endangered. This marks a dated stage in the recovery of a species whose future still depends on protecting its habitat and populations. The oryx in Borysew's collection belongs to that same species.
Pro děti
An oryx's horns curve backwards like long swords. The scimitar-horned oryx is an antelope from dry land around the Sahara. Its pale coat helps keep it from getting too hot. When drinking water is scarce, the plants it eats provide some moisture. Wild melons are among those foods.
This animal's fortunes have changed dramatically. In 2000 it was declared extinct in the wild: no free-living population remained. However, animals still survived in captivity. They helped begin the return of oryx to Africa, including Chad. Young oryx are now born in the wild there again. In 2023 the species' conservation assessment changed, although it still needs protection. The long horns in front of you belong to a species that survived a very difficult period.
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Where does an oryx obtain moisture when it goes without drinking?
- Umístění
- Scimitar-horned oryx enclosure, stop 11 on the map.