Addax

Addax

Addax nasomaculatus

Common name:

Addax

Scientific name:

Addax nasomaculatus

Alternative common names:


Description:

The addaxis a desert-living antelope and is well adapted to its harsh habitat. It feeds on desert grasses and scrub. It travels great distances over the Sahara Desert searchingfor sparse vegetation. It is the most desert-adapted of the antelopes. It spendsmost ofits lifewithout drinking water, receiving enough moisture to survive from the vegetation on whichit feeds.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Found across northern Africa, from the west to the east of the Sahara Desert.

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

NEMBA Category 2.

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Free State and Eastern Cape.

How does it spread?

Uncontrolled hunting by trophy hunters.

Why is it a problem?

They compete with cattle for grazing land.

What does it look like?

Description: The addax is sandy to almost white in colour during summer, darkening to a greyish brown in winter. White markings are present on the face, ears, belly, hips and legs, and there is a black tuft of hair on the forehead. Horns are present on both males and females, on average about 72cm in length. The horns have approximately one-and-a-half to three spiral twists. The hooves are widely splayed as an adaption to travelling over desert sand. The addax head-body length is 150-170cm, shoulder height is 95-115cm, and tail length is 25-35cm, with males being slightly larger than females.

Habitat: It inhabits sand and stony desert regions.

Breeding: Breeding can occur throughout the year, with population birth peaks in winter and early spring. Gestation lasts 257-264 days, and there is almost always one calf born. The calf is weaned after 23-39 weeks. Males are sexually mature at about 24 months, females during their second or third summer.

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