Beisa oryx facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Common beisa oryx |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Artiodactyla |
| Family: | Bovidae |
| Subfamily: | Hippotraginae |
| Genus: | Oryx |
| Species: |
O. beisa
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| Subspecies: |
O. b. beisa
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| Trinomial name | |
| Oryx beisa beisa (Rüppell, 1835)
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| Fringe-eared and common beisa oryx ranges | |
The common beisa oryx (Oryx beisa beisa) is a type of antelope found in East Africa. It is also known simply as the beisa oryx. These amazing animals live in the Horn of Africa and Kenya. They are a specific kind of East African oryx.
The common beisa oryx is closely related to the fringe-eared oryx. There are four main types of oryx in the world. Even though they look quite similar, each type has special features.
What do they look like?
Common beisa oryx have unique fringed ears. They also have black tufts of hair that stick out past their ears. All types of oryx are strong and muscular. They have long bodies and wide necks. It can be hard to tell male and female oryx apart. They look very much alike!
Where do they live?
The common beisa oryx used to live in a huge area of northeastern Africa. This stretched from Sudan all the way down to Tanzania. Sadly, their numbers have been shrinking fast. Today, most common beisa oryx live in Ethiopia and northern Kenya.
These oryx prefer to live in bushland and grassy areas. When it's the wet season, they move to higher ground. They try to avoid tall grass and very wet places. They can travel long distances to find the best spots. Once they find a good place, they might stay there for a few seasons.
What do they eat?
The common beisa oryx loves to eat many different kinds of grass. They usually feed during the day. This is when plants hold the most water. This helps them stay hydrated. During the dry season, food can be scarce. At these times, they can even eat poisonous Adenium plants. This is a special skill that helps them survive!
