SCIENTIFIC NAME:  Addax nasomaculatus

The addax is a grazing horse-like antelope from the Sahara. Egyptians painted pictures of these animals in their pyramids. Next to the camel, the addax is probably the most desert adapted large mammal. It inhabits and survives in waterless areas of the Sahara, particularly in dune regions. The addax is able to locate desert vegetation at a long distance and obtain sufficient water from grasses. Its coat will change color as a means of desert adaptation. During the summer months, the addax's light coat serves as camouflage and reflects the rays of the sun. In winter, its coat changes to light gray and becomes thicker to protect it against the harsh cold desert climate.

Both sexes have long horns that are ringed and screw-shaped. The males horns are 24-44 inches long, and the female’s horns are 22-32 inches long. The animal’s hooves are also an adaptation for travel on desert sands.
This species formerly migrated seasonally between the Sahara and the Sahel, sometimes forming aggregations as large as 1,000 animals. Over hunting has caused the addax to be an endangered species. If granted effective protection, the addax may be restored as a wild animal through captive breeding and reintroduction of individual animals currently in captivity. Less than 250 addax are estimated to be left in the wild.