Oryxantelope

A blonde woman in a black t-shirt stands in front of sand dunes, looking directly at the camera with a slight smile.

Written by: Michaela Eckmüller Last updated at: May 21, 2025

The Arabian oryx belongs to the subfamily of horse antelopes and is a distinct genus. Its natural habitat is traditionally found in semi-arid and arid landscapes, such as the Arabian Peninsula. Thus, Oman is also part of its natural habitat. In places where the sun shines year-round and it often exceeds 30 degrees even in winter, the Arabian oryx is native.

Characteristic of both sexes are its very light, almost white coat and its spiral, slightly curved horns. The shoulder or body height is about 80-100 cm, while the horn length usually measures 50-70 cm. Another feature is the dark brown and white markings on its head. The weight of the Arabian oryx is usually below 70 kilograms. The light coat color is an adaptation to its natural habitat, as sunlight and the constant shimmer of heat make them hardly visible. Arabian oryxes require very little water. So little that the moisture from morning dew or the fluids obtained from food are sufficient for them. Fluids can also be obtained not only from plants or leaves but also from the coats of other animals. Typically, these antelopes feed on dry shrubs, buds, leaves, and grasses.

Originally, the Arabian oryx lived throughout the Arabian Peninsula all the way to the Sinai Peninsula. However, this habitat was destroyed due to poaching by both foreign and local people. With the advent of all-terrain vehicles, the last wild oryx was killed in 1972. A conservation program was started in the USA a few years earlier. The government under Sultan Qaboos initiated a reintroduction and acclimatization project in the deserts of Oman.

To this day, Arabian oryxes live in the Jiddat al-Harris region in central Oman. Once, the oryx area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage in 1994, but removed in 2007 due to significant reductions in grazing grounds. Even today, poaching still occurs, but the government has undertaken strong protective measures and enclosed a vast area. Currently, more than 300 antelopes reside in the Jiddat al Harris region. They can be observed at the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary Center. Since the antelopes seek shade and rest during the day, it is advisable to visit during morning or evening twilight to see the animals.

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