Often referred to as the white antelope for its pale coat, it represents one of the most adapted mammals to desert life, specifically within the challenging expanse of the Sahara Desert. This critically endangered species has evolved a series of remarkable physiological and behavioral adaptations that enable it to withstand some of the harshest conditions on Earth.

One of the addax’s most striking adaptations is its light-colored coat, which reflects the intense solar radiation of its desert habitat, helping to regulate its body temperature in the scorching heat. Additionally, the addax has developed the ability to vary its body temperature throughout the day, a rare trait known as heterothermy. This adaptation allows the addax to tolerate higher internal temperatures during the hottest parts of the day, reducing the need for evaporative cooling through sweating or panting, thereby conserving precious water reserves.

The addax is also supremely adapted to its arid environment in other ways. It has broad, flat hooves that prevent sinking into the sand, facilitating movement across the desert landscape. Remarkably, the addax can survive almost entirely without drinking water, obtaining moisture from its food, including desert grasses and succulents that store water in their leaves. These dietary habits and a nomadic lifestyle have enabled the addax to survive in areas where water is scarce, and conditions are inhospitable for most other forms of life.

Despite these incredible adaptations, the addax faces a critical threat from human activities. Unsustainable hunting for its horns, hide, and meat has decimated populations, while habitat disruption from oil exploration and military activities further endangers its survival. Once roaming in large numbers across North Africa, the addax now teeters on the brink of extinction, with estimates suggesting fewer than a few hundred individuals remain in the wild.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Algeria

CR

Reintroduction ongoing

Chad

2016

Egypt

Official estimate

EX

Extinct 1900

Israel

Official estimate

EX

Extinct 1900, reintroduced

Libya

Official estimate

EX

Extinct 2011, reintroduced

Mauritania

2016

Possibly Extinct

Morocco

CR

Reintroduction ongoing

Niger

2016

Sudan

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Tunisia

CR

Reintroduction ongoing