Here at White Sands, there is only one known invasive animal species: the African oryx. A native of the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa, the oryx, or gemsbok (Oryx gazella), is a large antelope that was introduced to southern New Mexico by the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish.
What kind of animals live in White Sands?
Many species of mammals make their home in White Sands National Park, including foxes, rodents, coyotes, bobcats, badgers, rabbits, and porcupines. Learn more about the interesting behaviors and unique adaptations of these mammals.
Where are oryx found?
Oryx are found in desert, steppe and savanna ecosystems of Africa and the Middle East at elevations between 3,500–4,800 feet. The Chihuahuan Desert in White Sands Missile Range is remarkably similar to the arid, native habitats where oryx subsist with very little water.
How many Oryxs are in White Sands?
Patrick Morrow, wildlife biologist for White Sands Missile Range, estimates there are 3,500 to 4,000 oryx on the missile range, based on aerial surveys by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and population modeling.
Are oryx endangered?
Not extinct
Oryx/Extinction status
How did Oryx get to NM?
Between 1969 and 1977, 95 oryx were released on White Sands Missile Range and the surrounding areas. Wild oryx were brought from the Kalahari Desert in Africa to an experimental range at Red Rock, New Mexico. The success of the oryx in New Mexico is due in part to the abundance of food.
What does an oryx symbolize?
The Arabian Oryx has held symbolic value for the people of the Middle East for centuries. It is thought that the mythical unicorn creature was developed from the animal’s characteristics. In profile, the Oryx appears to have one horn and the Hebrew word ‘re’em’ may have been translated as ‘unicorn’.
What kind of animal is an oryx?
There are four species of oryx living in Africa and the Middle East. They are large antelopes with long, spear-like horns — with the Gemsbok (Oryx gazella) being the largest of the oryx species. They are a true desert animal, with a thick, horse-like neck; a short mane; and a compact, muscular body.
What is a male gemsbok called?
Oryx. A male gemsbok (Oryx gazella) at Etosha National Park. Scientific classification. Kingdom: Animalia.
What is the status of antelope?
A quarter of all antelope species are threatened with extinction, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. The results, compiled by the Antelope Specialist Group of IUCN’s Species Survival Commission, show that out of 91 species of antelope, 25 are threatened with extinction.
How many oryx were released on White Sands?
Between 1969 and 1977, 95 oryx were released on White Sands Missile Range and the surrounding areas. Exotic species, or non-native plants or animals that have been introduced into an area, are often very detrimental to native plants, animals, and ecosystems. At White Sands National Park, the oryx is one such species.
When were oryx introduced to the United States?
Ninety-three Oryx were introduced onto the 3,200 square mile White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in the Tularosa Basin between 1969 and 1977. They successfully established themselves and their numbers expanded enough to require hunting to control their numbers. In fact, the common saying
Why is there an annual hunt for the Oryx?
Annual hunts for the oryx began in 1974 and continue to this day to help control and stabilize the population. Because the oryx is not native to this country, the National Park Service (NPS) is concerned about how this animal affects the native plants and animals of White Sands National Park.
Are there African oryx in New Mexico?
African Oryx. The ibex, a member of the goat family from Siberia and Iran, was introduced into the Florida Mountains near Deming, New Mexico. The ibex successfully colonized in that area and has begun to move out of the mountains and into the flats. The African Barbary sheep was introduced on land near Picacho, New Mexico.
