The Oryx reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Oryx

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Oryx
Oryx photo
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order:Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Oryx
Binomial name
Oryx beisa

The Oryx (or Sabre Antelope) is an endangered African antelope that lives in near desert conditions.

The Oryx (Oryx beisa), of the Bovidae family can survive without water for long periods. The smallest species, the Arabian oryx, is almost extinct, and another, the scimitar-horned oryx of the Sahara is also on the endangered list. Oryxes live in herds of up to 60 animals.

Newborn calves can run with the herd immediately after birth. Both males and females have permanent, narrow, straight horns. These horns are quite dangerous, and the oryx has been known to kill lions with them.

Oryx photo
larger image


The Oryx is also a South African helicopter. See Atlas Oryx.