Oryx are boldly patterned antelope in tan, white, and black equipped with long, elegant ridged horns. They live in the desert and scrub regions of Arabia and the Middle East. They travel regularly, aparently to move to areas of recent rainfall, which they are said to be able to detect from long distances. When water is not available, they can obtain sufficient moisture from suculents, melons and bulbs. Oryx rest in shallow scrapes dug under trees and bushes. They are alert and wary, noting danger from far off in the open, barren country they inhabit and fleeing to a more secure area.
Oryx live in medium sized herds of females and a single male. The male maintains his position and breeding rights by fighting off rival bucks. Those males without access to a female herd congregate in smaller bachelor herds.