Oryx in the Namib Desert

Above all other antelopes the Oryx embodies the spirit of the Namibian desert. It is at home in vast shadeless spaces under a fiery sun sheltered by scant thorn trees. He is the thoroughbred of the desert, built like a polo pony with incredible strength and endurance, but sustained only on sparse desert grass. When deprived of drinking water it uses several measures to minimise it's water needs, notably allowing its body temperature to rise from a normal 35.7°C to 45°C (113F) then using evaporative cooling by nasal panting and sweating. It also concentrates its urine and absorbs all possible moisture. Gemsbok mostly feed on nutritious leaves, grasses and herbs. During the dry season they feed on flowers and will also browse for food. To supplement water requirements gemsbok dig for succulents and extensively eat Tsamma melons. Female herds, including non-territorial bulls, in their search for fodder will move between the territories of dominant bulls. To avoid conflict, non-territorial bulls are submissive towards aggressive challenges from territorial bulls. The behaviour of this species is geared to energy and water conservation. In the heat of the day they will lie-up in the shades of trees. Where shade is not available they will orientate themselves to present as little as possible of their body surface to the sun. Lone bulls are common and have been known to kill attacking lions by impaling them with their strong horns. Gemsbok are to be found in many game reserves throughout South Africa and Namibia and have been successfully re-introduced to areas where they once roamed and became extinct.