Dubbo Western Plains Zoo

Addax

Addax nasomaculatus

Addax have survived their harsh environment for more than a million years and at times have been found across 8 million square kilometres of desert.

In less than 100 years they have been almost exterminated by hunters with modern firearms and competition with grazing livestock.

Addax eating grass with closer view of hooves

Addax are well adapted to desert life. Wide, round hooves stop Addax from sinking in the sand and help them dig "beds" which protect them from desert winds.

The Addax rarely drinks as it gets moisture from the grasses and herbs it eats. Saharan nomads hunted this species knowing they could get water from its stomach.

Photographs by Justin Sullivan. Some text courtesy of Dubbo Western Plains Zoo

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