Addax
Common name: | Addax |
Scientific name: | Addax nasomaculatus |
IUCN Red List classification: | Critically Endangered |
Animal Facts
Once widespread across North Africa, the addax has been largely extirpated by over-hunting since the mid-1800s. Although highly adapted to hyper-arid conditions, addax are nonetheless impacted by long periods of severe drought.
Where they live
Once ranging right across the Sahara from the Atlantic to the Nile, and from the Atlas mountains to lake Chad. Today, they are restricted to perhaps 200 in Niger, and a handful in Chad and Mauritania.
Habitat
Desert, including the interior of the great sand seas in season.
What they eat
Primarily a grazer but very adaptable seeking out Colocynthus melons and digging for water carrying tap roots. They can survive without free standing water.
