‘Extinct’ Scimitar-Horned Oryx Returns to Sahara Desert

Published: 03 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

The scimitar-horned oryx, once declared extinct in the wild, is making a remarkable comeback in the Sahara Desert thanks to captive breeding programs. Conservationists hope that reintroducing this antelope to its natural habitat will not only restore the species but also help stabilize fragile ecosystems at the edge of the Sahara, slowing the desert’s expansion.

In the spring of 2012, biologists Marie Petretto and John Newby arrived in central Chad with a mission to explore the Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve. Covering a territory larger than the Republic of Ireland, this protected area straddles the Sahel and the Sahara, offering a mosaic of sun-baked plains, grasslands, and wooded gorges. “At first the desert and arid lands seem very flat and homogeneous,” Petretto recalls, “but as you explore, you realise how incredibly varied they are.”

During their survey, the team documented a lively landscape. Gazelles bounded past their vehicles, and sparse clusters of acacia trees provided shade for wildlife enduring daytime temperatures of up to 50°C (122°F). Seasonal rains transformed river valleys, known locally as wadis, into hubs of life, sustaining small shrubs and food plants such as wild bitter melon that serve as crucial resources for animals. These observations convinced the team that the reserve could host the scimitar-horned oryx.

The oryx, standing more than one meter tall at the shoulder with long, elegant horns arching back like curved swords, is perfectly adapted to the harsh environment of the Sahara’s edges. Capable of surviving months without water, it had vanished from the wild by the 1980s, surviving only in zoos and wildlife reserves worldwide. Reintroducing the species would make it just the sixth large mammal globally to return from extinction in the wild through captive breeding, joining the ranks of the Przewalski’s horse, European bison, red wolf, Père David’s deer, and the Arabian oryx.

Since the first releases, conservationists have monitored the oryx closely, tracking their movements, reproduction, and interactions with the environment. The project has highlighted the importance of restoring keystone species to fragile ecosystems. Oryx grazing patterns help control vegetation, prevent soil erosion, and support other species, creating a ripple effect that enhances the overall biodiversity of the reserve.

Beyond ecological benefits, the reintroduction of the scimitar-horned oryx also holds symbolic significance. It demonstrates that careful planning, international cooperation, and long-term conservation efforts can reverse the loss of species once thought irretrievably extinct. The program involves partnerships between local authorities, international wildlife organizations, and zoos, reflecting a global commitment to biodiversity and sustainable land management.

Challenges remain, however. The Sahel region is increasingly affected by climate change, with unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures threatening both flora and fauna. Human activity, including agriculture and livestock grazing, adds further pressure to the oryx’s habitat. Conservationists are working closely with local communities to ensure that the reintroduction program supports livelihoods while protecting wildlife, creating a model for coexistence between humans and nature.

Petretto emphasizes the transformative power of seeing the oryx in the wild. “When you witness these animals moving freely across the reserve, it’s a moment of hope,” she says. “It reminds us that extinction is not always final, and that with dedication, knowledge, and collaboration, we can restore the natural world.”

The Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve has become a beacon for conservation in Africa, showcasing how protected areas can serve as laboratories for biodiversity restoration. The success of the scimitar-horned oryx program may inspire similar initiatives across the Sahel and other regions where species are threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and human encroachment.

As the oryx population grows, researchers continue to study its ecological role and genetic health to ensure long-term viability. Captive breeding, rewilding, and community engagement together form a comprehensive approach that could redefine conservation strategies for other endangered species. The story of the scimitar-horned oryx is one of resilience, hope, and the possibility of reversing human-induced extinctions in the modern era.

The return of this magnificent antelope serves as a reminder that targeted conservation efforts can yield extraordinary results. As scientists, conservationists, and local communities work together, the Sahara may become not only a home for the scimitar-horned oryx but also a thriving sanctuary for countless other species, underscoring the importance of protecting the planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems.