What is an Arabian Oryx and where does it come from?

The Arabian oryx, also known as the white oryx, is a medium-sized antelope species native to the Arabian Peninsula. It has a distinct appearance with a white coat, long, straight horns, and a tufted tail. Historically, Arabian oryxes were found in large numbers throughout the Arabian Peninsula, but overhunting and habitat loss caused their populations to decline drastically. At one point, they were even considered extinct in the wild.

However, through conservation efforts, the Arabian oryx has made a remarkable recovery. The species was successfully reintroduced to the wild in Oman, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Jordan. The Arabian Oryx Sanctuary in Oman is the largest protected area for the species, and its success has led to the downgrading of the species from 'Endangered' to 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.