• Arabian oryx in the Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve in Haima, Oman. AFP
    Arabian oryx in the Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve in Haima, Oman. AFP
  • The reserve offers visitors the chance to see this magnificent desert antelope up close. AFP
    The reserve offers visitors the chance to see this magnificent desert antelope up close. AFP
  • A sociable species, the Arabian oryx can form herds of up to 30 or more in good weather conditions. AFP
    A sociable species, the Arabian oryx can form herds of up to 30 or more in good weather conditions. AFP
  • In poor weather, groups are much smaller and tend to comprise one male, a couple of females and their young. AFP
    In poor weather, groups are much smaller and tend to comprise one male, a couple of females and their young. AFP
  • Within the herd, a dominance hierarchy is created by displays of posturing. AFP
    Within the herd, a dominance hierarchy is created by displays of posturing. AFP
  • And when they feel threatened, males and females use their horns to defend or attack. AFP
    And when they feel threatened, males and females use their horns to defend or attack. AFP
  • The Arabian oryx can be found in Israel, Saudi Arabia and Oman. AFP
    The Arabian oryx can be found in Israel, Saudi Arabia and Oman. AFP
  • But numbers are low, with the Arabian oryx population at around 1,200. AFP
    But numbers are low, with the Arabian oryx population at around 1,200. AFP
  • They inhabit deserts and arid plains where temperatures can reach highs of 50ºC in the summer. AFP
    They inhabit deserts and arid plains where temperatures can reach highs of 50ºC in the summer. AFP
  • Living an almost nomadic life, oryx travel vast areas in search of food and water. AFP
    Living an almost nomadic life, oryx travel vast areas in search of food and water. AFP
  • Thanks to their incredible range of senses, they are able to smell the rain and fresh grass in the distance. AFP
    Thanks to their incredible range of senses, they are able to smell the rain and fresh grass in the distance. AFP
  • Although they're not fast, they can walk long distances and have been known to cover 70km in one night. AFP
    Although they're not fast, they can walk long distances and have been known to cover 70km in one night. AFP
  • Since the Arabian oryx's skin has no glare or reflection, it's often hard to spot them from a distance. AFP
    Since the Arabian oryx's skin has no glare or reflection, it's often hard to spot them from a distance. AFP

Gulf

Arabian Oryx in the Omani desert - in pictures

The animals are running free in the protected environment of the Al-Wusta wildlife reserve

The National

April 27, 2021

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