Schleich – Wild Life – 14759 – Oryx

The horns of oryx antelopes are 120-150 centimetres 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 degrees Celsius. 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.