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The addax antelope (Addax nasomaculatus), also known as the white antelope and screwhorn antelope, is an antelope native to the Sahara desert. It is the only member of the genus Addax and was first described scientifically by Henri de Blainville in 1816. As suggested by its alternate name, the addax has long, twisted horns—usually 55 to 80 cm (22 to 31 in) in females and 70 to 85 cm (28 to 33 in) in males. Males stand 105 to 115 cm (41 to 45 in) at the shoulder, and females from 95 to 110 cm (37 to 43 in). They are sexually dimorphic, with females being smaller than males. The color of the coat depends on the season - in winter it is grayish-brown with a white background and legs, and long brown hair on the head, neck, and shoulders; in summer, the coat turns almost completely white or sandy blond.

The addax feeds mainly on herbs, leaves, leguminous herbs, and shrubs. They are well adapted to live in their desert habitat, where they can live without water for long periods. Addaxes consist of herds of 5 to 20 individuals, consisting of males and females. They are led by the largest female. Because of its slow movements, the addax is an easy target for its predators: humans, lions, tigers, leopards, and African wild dogs. The breeding season is at its peak during winter and early spring. The natural habitats of the Addax are arid and semi-desert areas, sandy and rocky deserts. If you wonder where Addax live, they are mainly found in Chad, Mauritania, and Niger.

The addax is an endangered species of antelope, according to the IUCN classification. Are Addax endangered of extinction? Yes, they are critically endangered due to unregulated hunting and habitat destruction. Although extremely rare in its native habitat, it is very common in captivity. The addax was abundant in North Africa, but its current home is only Chad, Mauritania, and Niger. It has been eradicated from Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Sudan, and Western Sahara but has been reintroduced in Morocco and Tunisia. Therefore, when asking in which country addax live, they can now primarily be found in Chad, Mauritania, and Niger, with reintroduced populations in Morocco and Tunisia.

Classification and naming

The scientific name for the addax is Addax nasomaculatus. This antelope was first described by the French zoologist and anatomist Henri de Blainville in 1816. It is placed in the monophyletic genus Addax and the family Bovidae. Henri de Blainville noted the combinations in Bullock's Pantherion and the Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons. The English naturalist Richard Lydecker stated that their area may have been Senegambia, although he had nothing to support this claim. Finally, through a discussion in 1898, it became more likely that British hunters or gatherers had obtained the addax from a part of the desert in Tunisia. The scientific name Addax is believed to have been obtained from the Arabic word meaning wild animals with crooked horns. It is also thought to have originated from a Latin word. The name was first used in 1693. The specific name nasomaculatus comes from the Latin words nasus (or the prefix naso-) meaning nose, and maculatus, meaning spotted, referring to the specks and facial markings of the species. The Bedouins use another name for the addax, the Arabic bakr (or bagr) al-Wahsh, which literally means "wild cow." This name can be used to refer to other ungulates as well. Other common names for addax are "white antelope" and "screwhorn antelope."

Genetics

Addax contains 29 pairs of chromosomes. All chromosomes are at both ends of the centromere except for the first pair of autosomes, which are mesenchymal. The X chromosome is the largest of the acrocentric chromosomes, and the Y chromosome is of medium size. The short and long arms of a pair of mesenchymal autosomes correspond respectively to the 27 and 1st chromosomes in cattle and goats. In a study, the banding patterns of chromosomes in addax were found to be similar to those in four other species of the Hippotraginae subfamily.

The addax is not considered dangerous to humans; thus, if one asks, "Are addaxes dangerous?" the answer is no. They are more vulnerable to their natural predators due to their slow movement, making them easy targets.

FAQs About Addax Antelope

1. What is an Addax Antelope?

The Addax antelope, also known as the white antelope or screwhorn antelope, is a species native to the Sahara desert. It is the only member of the genus Addax and was first described by Henri de Blainville in 1816.

2. What do Addax horns look like?

Addax have long, twisted horns. Females measure 55 to 80 cm (22 to 31 in), while males range from 70 to 85 cm (28 to 33 in).

3. What are the size differences between male and female Addax?

Males are generally larger, standing 105 to 115 cm (41 to 45 in) at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, standing 95 to 110 cm (37 to 43 in).

4. What does the Addax's coat look like?

The Addax's coat color changes with the seasons. In winter, it’s grayish-brown with a white background and long brown hair on its head and neck. During the summer, it turns almost completely white or sandy blond.

5. What do Addax eat?

Addaxes primarily feed on herbs, leaves, leguminous plants, and shrubs. They are well adapted to survive in the desert and can live without water for long periods.

6. Where can Addax be found?

Historically, Addax roamed across North Africa. Today, they are mostly found in Chad, Mauritania, and Niger, with reintroduced populations in Morocco and Tunisia.

7. Are Addax endangered?

Yes, Addax antelopes are critically endangered due to habitat destruction and unregulated hunting.

8. Do Addax live in herds?

Yes, Addaxes typically form herds consisting of 5 to 20 individuals, led by the largest female.

9. What are the natural predators of the Addax?

Due to their slow movements, Addax is vulnerable to predators like humans, lions, tigers, leopards, and African wild dogs.

10. What is the breeding season for Addax?

The breeding season peaks in winter and early spring.

11. What is the scientific classification of the Addax?

The Addax is classified as Addax nasomaculatus and belongs to the family Bovidae.

12. What is the origin of the name Addax?

The name Addax is believed to have come from an Arabic word meaning "wild animals with crooked horns," or from a Latin term. The specific name nasomaculatus refers to the spotted nose markings of the species.

13. Are Addax dangerous to humans?

No, Addax antelopes are not dangerous to humans. They are slow-moving and more vulnerable to their natural predators.

14. How many chromosomes does Addax have?

Addax has 29 pairs of chromosomes. Their chromosomal structure shares similarities with other species in the Hippotraginae subfamily.

15. Why is the Addax critically endangered?

The Addax is critically endangered due to extensive hunting, habitat destruction, and competition with livestock in their natural habitat.