Species profile
About the fringe-eared oryx
The fringe-eared oryx is the East African oryx of Tanzania and southern Kenya, named for the dark tassel of hair on each ear tip. Its striking black-and-white face mask, black flank line and long straight ringed horns make it one of the most photogenic antelope in the country.
It is a genuine arid specialist, able to survive on dry browse and to let its body temperature rise through the heat of the day rather than sweat away water. In Tanzania it is now largely confined to Tarangire, Mkomazi and the drier Maasai Steppe, and it is classed as Endangered.
Life in the wild
Behavior & relationships
Behavior
Active in cooler hours and often standing in shade at midday. Can go long periods without drinking, taking moisture from wild melons, roots and dew-laden leaves.
Social life
Mixed herds of roughly six to forty with a dominance order rather than defended territories; old bulls are frequently alone.
What makes it remarkable
Special features
Long black ear tufts, a bold face mask, and a physiology that tolerates a raised body temperature to conserve water.
