Scimitar-horned oryx revived after being declared extinct

510 antelope calves have been born in the wild, marking a new beginning for a species once listed as extinct .

The scimitar oryx (scientific name: Oryx dammah ) is a large antelope that adapts to desert and dry environments. This species has very long horns, curved like a sword. Because of this feature, they are called scimitar oryx. This species was declared extinct in the wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) before the 20th century due to hunting.

The scimitar-horned oryx population is "reviving" in the wild. (Photo: Marwell Zoo).

However , the species has now recovered , and is now listed as 'Endangered' according to the latest update from the IUCN. This is considered an encouraging conservation effort, coming from a project initiated by the Sahara Conservation Fund (SCF) in 1985.

The project reportedly started with just a few isolated and captive antelopes around the world.

Using a scientific approach, the project's researchers created a miniature habitat for the last surviving antelopes, then helped them recover their species. The chosen location was the Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim Wildlife Reserve, Chad.

In 2016, 21 scimitar-horned oryx were released into the wild in a fenced area. Each animal was fitted with a GPS satellite collar, allowing experts to closely monitor them.

About six months after its release, the first scimitar-horned oryx was born in the wild in more than 30 years.

In 2017, 14 more antelope were released into the same area. The goal of the project is to create a healthy, self-sustaining herd of antelope, away from natural threats.

To date, a total of 510 wild antelope calves have been born in the wild. This is an incredible achievement, showing that the reintroduction model can work effectively when there is enough effort and determination from organizations around the world.

The scimitar-horned oryx was thought to have become extinct before the 20th century due to illegal hunting. Its elegant horns were a target for poachers. (Photo: Getty)

'This project is proof that with the right will and resources, we can secure a future for all the world's threatened species ,' said Tim Wacher, conservation specialist at ZSL.

'The change in status of the scimitar oryx from extinct in the wild to endangered is a testament to the power of collaborative conservation action, and gives us all hope of making a difference in restoring nature,' said Dr Tania Gilbert, Head of Conservation Science at Marwell Wildlife.

Research shows that only a quarter of species that are now extinct in the wild are part of reintroduction programs, but the success of the project shows that reintroduction programs can work with international collaboration and conservation efforts from multiple organizations.

Professor John Ewen, a researcher at ZSL's Institute of Zoology and lead author of ZSL's Extinctions in the Wild study, said: "Projects like the scimitar oryx conservation show that reversing the fate of these species is possible. With the right will and resources, we can secure a future for all the world's threatened species."

The scimitar oryx is a large antelope that is adapted to dry, desert environments. It has very long, sword-shaped horns. This feature gives it its name.

These antelopes were once widespread across much of North Africa. However, prolonged drought and widespread hunting in the 1980s saw their numbers plummet.

Among them, the horns and meat of this antelope are the most "hunted" because of their high economic value. In 2000, this species was declared "Extinct in the Wild" and only exists in captive collections around the world.