Oryx oder Oryxantilope Oryx gazella (Linné, 1758)
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Former distribution: From Sudan, Ethiopia south to the Cape and southern Angola and Namibia.
Present distribution: Ethiopia and Somalia, Kenya and eastern Uganda, Zimbabwe, Botswana, southwestern Angola, Namibia, northern Transvaal and north-western Cape Province in South Africa; 1962 introduced into USA: New Mexico, Texas, Florida.
Behaviour: Preferred habitat: semi-arid, open grass and bush-savannas, and open woodlands. They are gregarious, living in herds of up to 12 and more; active at twilight; diet consists predominantly of grass, but occasionally they dig for roots, rhizomes and bulbs. Predators include lions, leopards, hyenas and wild dogs.
Population status: Stable. Extinct and rare in some distribution areas.
Brief notes:
Body weight: 200-225 kg
Head and body length: 160-235 cm
Tail length: 45-90 cm
Shoulder height: 100-1440 cm
Gestation period: 260-300 days
Maximum age: 18-22 years in captivity
Trophy: Record (Oryx g. gazella) SCI: 108 4/8 score, 1983 Namibia, CATHY HASKIN; average 88 score. RW's: 48 3/8, 1981 Botswana, DR. W.J. RAY JR.; average 41".
Hunting methods: Stalking with trackers.
Subspecies: 5
1. Gemsbok Oryx g. gazella South-western Angola, Namibia, northern and western Botswana, western Zimbabwe, northern Transvaal and north-western Cape Province. Stable.
2. Beisa Oryx Oryx g. beisa Ethiopia, Somalia and northern Kenya, Sudan. Rare. Extinct in Sudan and Eritrea (Ethiopia). Trophy: Record SCI: 90 7/8 score, 1984 Ethiopia, HUCK SPAULDING; average 70 score. RW's: 43", 1970 Ethiopia, E. BUCKLES; average 31". CIC: 149.50 points, 1974 Ethiopia, WLCO; average 145 points.
3. Fringe-eared Oryx Oryx g. callotis Southern Kenya, northern Tanzania. Stable. Trophy: Record SCI: 89 score, 1975 Kenya, DOOLEY GILCHRIST; average 68 score. RW's: 43 3/8", 1971 Kenya, R.J. PHILLIPS; average 31".
4. Galla Oryx Oryx g. gallarum Southern Ethiopia, southern Somalia and northern Kenya. Rare. Trophy: As Oryx g. beisa.
5. Laikipia Oryx Oryx g. annectens Central Kenya and eastern Uganda. Rare; in eastern Uganda nearly extinct. Trophy: as Oryx g. beisa.
Remarks: The Gemsbok is well managed in Namibia on farms and game reserves, and is one of the most attractive game species for hunters. In the South African Republic stable again in national parks and on private farms. Both sexes carry horns; female horns are longer than those of the males. More information welcome on the population status of Oryx g. gallarum and Oryx g. annectens. |
