The scimitar-horned oryx, named for its long curving horns, is a large antelope with a white coat and bright russet neck and chest, with a wash of russet over the flanks and thighs. The facial mask has vertical russet stripes passing through the eyes and a wide reddish nose strip. A faint ruddy stripe runs along the flank and the long, tufted tail is dark brown on the outer half. The most distinctive feature of the animal is the scimitar, or sickle, shaped horns. Found on both sexes, the thin, ridgeless horns grow to three feet in length, curving up and over the back. Because of their thinness, the horns are fairly fragile and are prone to breaking. Shoulder height for adults is 40-to-47 inches and weight is about 450 pounds.

Numerous physiological adaptations to desert life allow the oryx to go without drinking water for weeks (or possibly even months). Specialized kidneys prevent excess loss of water through concentrated urine, while perspiration is minimized by raising body temperature to a maximum of 116o F. Up to this temperature, there is a normal flow of heat from the body to the environment without a loss of water.

The scimitar-horned oryx is extremely gregarious and there is reluctance in individuals to remain solitary. Herds tend to occur in groups of 10-to-30 females and young, led by a male. Herd size varies between seasons in relation to location and availability of food and reproductive behaviors. Pregnant females dissociate from the groups prior to and following calving, typically accompanied by an adult male. Gestation is eight months, followed by a single birth. Mother and calf join the herd after six weeks of concealment.