Arabian oryx

Scientific name: Oryx leucoryx

The Arabian oryx is the smallest oryx species and is found in a very limited range in the Middle East. Despite being protected in the Oman Arabian Oryx Sanctuary, poachers could still hunt and capture many individuals for sale into private collections. This effectively rendered conservation efforts useless, which, alongside overgrazing and droughts, led to sharp declines in the Arabian oryx population.

Reintroduction efforts in several countries, coupled with breeding programs and protection in private collections, have helped Arabian oryx numbers recover significantly. The Arabian oryx is now classified as vulnerable by the IUCN, and numbers continue to increase.