Arabian Oryx

The Arabian oryx, also known as the white oryx, originated in the Arabian Peninsula, including desert regions of Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. Males usually weigh about 143–165 pounds, while females generally weigh about 119–154 pounds; shoulder height is roughly 35–39 inches. The coat is mostly white or cream, with dark facial and leg markings and long straight horns carried by both sexes. This species is highly adapted to extreme desert heat and can survive long periods without free-standing water. Arabian oryx entered major U.S. managed-care conservation programs through the Phoenix Zoo “World Herd” beginning in 1962–1964, before later spreading to other zoos and wildlife collections. (Phoenix Zoo) (USGS)