Gemsbok
Statut U.I.C.N
Union Internationale pour la Conservation de la Nature
- lc Préoccupation mineure
- nt Quasi menacé
- vu Vulnérable
- en En danger
- cr En danger critique
- ew Éteint dans la nature
- ex Éteint
Carte d'identité
- Classe :
- Mammals
- Ordre :
- Artiodactyla
- Famille :
- Bovidae
- Genre :
- Oryx
- Espèce :
- gazella
- Taille moyenne
- 180 to 195 cm
- Poids
- 180 to 240 kg
- Gestation
- About 8 months
One calf at a time - Habitat
- Deserts and arid plains
- Régime
- Folivore, herbivore
The desert survivor
The oryx can go without drinking for long periods! It gets moisture from the plants it eats and can concentrate its urine to limit water loss.
Threats and conservation
The gemsbok is threatened by habitat loss, hunting, poaching, drought and climate change. To protect it, desert areas are being preserved and human encroachment on them limited, while laws against poaching have been strengthened. Population studies and monitoring, along with raising awareness among local communities and involving them, complete these efforts.
Fun fact
Seen from the side, its two long horns appear to merge into one, giving it the look of a true desert unicorn!
