The oryx is a striking antelope native to the arid regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula; males and females both often display bold, pale coats contrasted by dark facial markings and long, straight or slightly lyre-shaped horns, with males’ horns sometimes thicker while females’ are similarly prominent. They inhabit open deserts, dry grasslands, and scrubby plains, where their endurance, heat tolerance, and powerful speed help them evade predators and travel long distances for sparse water and forage. Once widespread across their ranges, oryx populations suffered declines from habitat loss, hunting, and local extirpation, but concerted conservation efforts, captive-breeding and reintroduction programs, and protected areas have helped stabilize and, in some places, increase their numbers.