Photos: Arabian Oryx at Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve in Oman

Arabian Oryx are pictured in Al-Wusta wildlife reserve for environmental conservation in the Omani desert capital of Haima in the central governorate of Wusta. Oman is looking to carve itself a new niche in ecotourism for one of the desert’s most fabled creatures — the Arabian oryx.

A reintroduction project was initiated in 1980 at Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve (previously called the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary) which is located in the central desert of Oman. The project began with 10 Arabian oryx from the World Herd.

It offers a rare chance to see this magnificent desert antelope up close as there is a large herd of over 600 animals in the reserve’s breeding centre.

Arabian Oryx are pictured in Al-Wusta wildlife reserve for environmental conservation in the Omani desert capital of Haima.

This refuge, home to several threatened desert species, was one of the only nature reserves recognized by UNESCO and located between Sub-Saharan Africa and India.

The Arabian oryx is amongst the largest desert mammals of the Arab region and throughout history has been an important aspect of its heritage.

Arabian oryx move around a lot to find new sources of food and water.

Both males and females have splendid straight, ringed horns as long as 68 centimeters (27 in) long; the female’s being thinner and longer than those of a male.

This species is a desert antelope that is highly adapted to its harsh desert environment.

Arabian oryx inhabit the deserts and arid plains of Arabia, where temperatures can reach 50ºC even in the shade during summer.