Common name: Arabian Oryx (المها العربي)
Scientific name:Oryx leucoryx
Family: Bovidae

Size:
Shoulder height: 80–100 cm
Body length: 150–170 cm
Weight: 70–100 kg

Identification:
A medium-sized antelope with a striking white coat, contrasting dark facial markings, and long, straight, slender horns present in both males and females. The white coloration reflects sunlight, helping regulate body temperature in extreme desert conditions.

Habitat:
Desert and semi-desert environments, including sand dunes, gravel plains, and arid steppe. Adapted to survive in harsh conditions with minimal water availability.

Status in the UAE:
Native and reintroduced. Now established in protected areas and reserves following successful conservation and reintroduction programs.

Diet:
Herbivorous — feeds on grasses, herbs, roots, bulbs, and shrubs. Can extract moisture from plants, allowing long periods without drinking water.

Behavior:
Highly adapted to desert life; can tolerate extreme heat and dehydration. Often active during cooler parts of the day and capable of detecting rainfall over long distances.

Conservation status:
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)