Scimitar oryx hunting in South Africa

Scimitar Oryx also known as Scimitar-horned Oryx or Sahara Oryx are native to Northern Africa and were introduced to South Africa, most likely originally as a zoo animal. They derive their name from their long, slender, backwards-curving horns that resemble the curved blades of scimitar swords. Both males and females have horns and a thick white coat of fur with reddish-brown markings on the face and neck. Scimitar Oryx are only available for hunting on a limited number of game ranches, mostly in the Free State, Northern and Eastern Cape provinces. Scimitar Oryx are desert-adapted species and able to withstand exceptionally high temperatures. These adaptations include a black skin under the white fur which reflects most of the desert heat, also preventing sunburn and overheating. They are also able to go without water for long periods of time. Classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, no special hunting permits are required.