The Beisa Oryx (Oryx beisa), also known as the East African Oryx, is a large African plains game antelope found in northeastern Africa, including Kenya, Southern Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia. In terms of habitat, they prefer dry, open areas but are also known to inhabit grassland savannas and dry woodlands.
They are very social animals, living in herds of between 5 and 70 members. Being diurnal, they are more active during the day, specifically early in the morning before the intense heat, and later in the afternoon when the heat subsides, so be sure to tailor your oryx hunting in Ethiopia around these times.
These large antelopes are herbivores, and their diet consists of grasses, leaves, fruits, and shrubs. They are not water-dependent and can survive long periods without water by gaining moisture from the plants they consume.
Apart from man who targets these stunning antelopes on Ethiopian safari hunts, they are also hunted by Lions, Leopards, Hyenas, and African Wild Dogs.
Their IUCN status is listed as Endangered, with numbers decreasing.
Name:
Oryx beisa
Male Weight:
174 pounds
Male Shoulder height:
43-47 inches
Range:
Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Southern Sudan
Mating:
Throughout the Year
Gestation Period:
255-279 days
Life span:
Not given
The Beisa Oryx is a large antelope with a gray coat and white underbelly, distinctly separated by a clear black stripe. There is a black mark on each foreleg, while black stripes run across its nose, forehead, and cheeks. It has a small chestnut mane, and both sexes have a set of long, spear-like horns. These ringed horns can reach up to 4ft and are not only for display; they are used to defend themselves against predators.
When Oryx hunting in Ethiopia, there are numerous hunting methods available, including spot-and-stalk, walk-and-stalk, as well as hunting from a blind; other this option is rare. When in danger, the Oryx will flee, but if cornered, it will defend itself with its long, spear-like horns – ensure that your trophy is, in fact, dead before approaching, as those horns can be lethal.
When game hunting in Ethiopia, know your prey and study their behavior. The Beisa Oryx is a highly alert antelope, with keen senses, which ensures that approaching and stalking them undetected is quite challenging. This antelope travels great distances, and hunters should be prepared to walk long distances over physically demanding terrain.
The reward of this highly unusual and striking African plains game trophy is sure to set tongues wagging and ensure many tales in years to come.
On this Ethiopian safari, a .270 to a .300 range of rifle is recommended, while the .30-06 Springfield and the .300 Winchester Magnum are popular options for an Oryx hunt. Remember that shot placement remains paramount for an ethical and humane hunting safari.
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