Scimitar-Horned Oryx

• Range: North Africa
  
• Habitat: Barren steppes, desert and sub-desert zones (currently extinct in the wild)
  
• Description: Both sexes have curving horns that grow toward the back to a length of 3.3 to 4.2 feet. The coat is mostly white with a little russet over the thighs and flanks. They have vertical reddish stripes passing through the eye area and a wide nose stripe. The long tufted tail is dark. Large splayed hooves facilitate travel in sand. Males can weigh up to 480 pounds and stand 3.6 to 4.1 feet high at the shoulder.
  
• Diet: The scimitar-horned oryx eats a variety of trees and grasses, as well as fruit, shoots, herbs and leaves.
  
• Behavior: They are gregarious, living in large herds of up to 70 animals. Each herd has a dominant male that maintains tight control. Males often fight, but these confrontations are carefully choreographed with the inferior male lowering his head. Herds travel great distances in search of green grass.
  
• Breeding: The courtship routine is a mating circle. The male and female stand parallel facing opposite directions and circle around each other until she allows him to mount from behind. If she’s not ready, she will circle in the other direction and run away. Births peak in March and October. Within hours after birth, both mother and calf return to the herd. Calves are born with a plain yellowish coat.