Scimitar Oryx

Native to North Africa and residing in semi-desert and grassy plains areas, the scimitar oryx is considered a true desert animal. They were domesticated by the Ancient Egyptians and are easily tamed. They have a pale brown neck and chest, with brownish tan markings on the face. They range in size from 400 to 450 lbs. and subsist on a diet of grasses, small shrubs, tubers, wild melons and bulbs. Herds are typically less than 20 animals, with the adult male ranking over the cows in the group. The scimitar oryx will travel long distances in search of food and will fight off outsiders of the group in order to protect scarce reserves. They derive most of their water from their food, having the ability to keep their brains cool by circulating cooled blood to the head, while the rest of the body reaches high temperatures.