Addax

The Addax, also known as white antelope, is on the verge of extinction in its wild habitat of the Sahara Desert, with the size of the wild population ranging from 30 to 90 mature individuals. The addax is a critically endangered species of antelope, as classified by the IUCN.

However, now this animal has been bred in several programs around the world. Therefore, it is extremely rare in the wild due to uncontrolled hunting and only lives in captivity to ensure safety.

Previously, the Addax lived in North Africa, and native to Chad, Mauritania, Niger, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Sudan, and Western Sahara. The addax mainly eats grasses and leaves of any available shrubs, leguminous herbs, and bushes. The Addax form herds of five to 20 members, consisting of both males and females, and that are led by the oldest female. Due to its slow movements, the addax is an easy target for its predators: humans, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs. The inbreeding season is at its peak during winter and early spring. The natural habitat of the addax is arid regions, semi deserts, and sandy and stony deserts.

Location: Sahara Desert

Estimated Number of Mature Individuals: between 30 to 90 in the wild (possibly as few as three); more than 2,000 in captivity

Current Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

Scientific Name: Addax nasomaculatus