Oryx

Oryx, antelope genus of Africa and the Middle East. Three species of these large, straight-horned mammals exist, of which the best known is the gemsbok. The white, or Arabian, oryx and the scimitar oryx are both listed as endangered species. The animal can weigh more than 200 kg (more than 450 lb), stands as high as 1.4 m (4.6 ft) at the shoulder, and has horns of nearly equivalent length.

Scientific classification: The oryx makes up the genus Oryx  of the family Bovidae. The gemsbok is classified as Oryx gazella; the scimitar oryx as Oryx dammah; and the white, or Arabian oryx, as Oryx leucoryx.

Oryx Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 2001. © 1993-2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.