Beisa

Oryx beisa beisa

The dry life

The beisa, or East African oryx, is perfectly adapted to its arid habitat. These animals can survive for weeks in high temperatures without drinking as they get the water they need from the plants and juicy fruits that they eat.

Charakteristics

  • Origin

    East Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan

  • Habitat

    deserts, grass and thornbush savannah

  • Diet

    grass, leaves, tubers and roots

  • Status

    endangered

  • Size

    Head-torso length from 160 to 190 cm

  • Weight

    130 to 190 kg

  • Gestation period

    8 to 10 months

  • Achievable age

    approx. 20 years

Threat Categories of IUCN

Stronger together

Most antelopes form single-sex herds, but that is not the case for beisa. They live together in groups of seven to twelve animals, with a clear hierarchy and allocation of tasks. While a female leads the herd, the dominant male guards the rear.

Did you know that?

Beisa also dig for roots and bulbs to get the water they need.
They cope just fine with a body temperature of up to 45°C.
This is more than most other mammals.

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