The Arabian Oryx – Success Story
This article is part of series of “protect our species” articles being published by Health, Safety and Environment Department as part of 2019 Earth Day celebrations with a focus on the wildlife found in Saudi Arabia and/or at KAUST.
The Arabian Oryx is one of the most famous mammals found in Arabia and is the national animal of Oman. Just four decades ago the Arabian Oryx was considered extinct in the wild mainly due to over hunting. However, actions sponsored by government and environmental groups in the region resulted in a careful breeding program and release back into the wild. International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has recently upgraded its red List for the Oryx, a move from “Endangered to “Vulnerable”.
In Saudi Arabia, the Arabian Oryx may be seen in several parks in the Kingdom, including the Mahazat as-Sayd Protected Area (between Tail and Riyadh) and on some of the Farasan Islands. The number of wild animals is estimated to be over 1,200 with a further 6,000 to 7,000 kept in semi-captivity.
The Arabian Oryx mainly eats grasses and herbage. It is well adapted to desert life drought conditions, can sense rainfall and move toward such rainy areas. It may go for long periods of time without drinking, getting all the moisture it needs from the plants they eat. It is able to increase its body temperature by up to 10 degrees C. It can also both concentrate its urine and remove moisture from its faeces to further save water. In the hot months the Oryx feeds mainly at night, spending the day in areas of shade. This remarkable animal is not only beautiful but also one of the masters of the desert.
