About Oryx beisa (Rüppell, 1835)
Scientific Name and Basic Size
The East African oryx, scientifically named Oryx beisa (Rüppell, 1835), measures just over one metre at the shoulder and weighs approximately 80 kg (175 lb).
Torso Coat Pattern
Its coat is grey, with a white underside; a black stripe separates the grey upper coat from the white underside.
Facial and Neck Markings
Black stripes also appear where the head joins the neck, along the nose, from the eye to the mouth, and on the forehead.
Mane and Horn Structure
It has a small, chestnut-coloured mane, and thin, straight ringed horns.
Horn Size and Sexual Dimorphism
Both sexes have horns, which typically measure 75–80 cm (30–31 in) in length.
Comparison to Gemsbok
Compared to the East African oryx, the gemsbok has an entirely black tail, a black patch at the base of the tail, and more black markings on the legs (including a patch on the hindlegs) and lower flanks.
Comparison to Arabian Oryx
The smaller Arabian oryx is mostly white overall, with largely dark legs.
