Schleich Oryx

Oryx antelopes live in extremely dry, hot deserts. They have slender horns, which are almost half as long as their bodies and have a striking black and white 'face mask'. The horns of oryx antelopes are 120 to 150 cm long. This is where they get their name, because 'oryx' is Greek and basically means 'pointed tool'. Lions, leopards and hyenas no doubt have to learn the hard way that these antelopes can also use them very well to defend themselves. Its habitat in the desert can reach temperatures of well over 40 deg C. However the oryx antelope knows a trick against the heat. It raises its own body temperature until it is higher than that of its environment. This way it can give off heat and absorb 'cooler' air.