The scimitar oryx, also known as the scimitar-horned oryx and the Sahara oryx, is an Oryx species that was once widespread across North Africa. In 2000, it was declared extinct in the wild on the IUCN Red List. This particular oryx is adapted to harsh desert conditions and can survive for months or even years without drinking water. A grazing animal, it derives most of its daily moisture intake from plants.
Scimitar oryx
Osteological specimen of a scimitar oryx in the Natural Science Research Laboratory's (NSRL) collection at the Museum of Texas Tech University.
Scimitar oryx at Chester Zoo
Scimitar oryx in the Werribee Open Range Zoo, Victoria, Australia
Species reintroduction is the deliberate release of a species into the wild, from captivity or other areas where the organism is capable of survival. The goal of species reintroduction is to establish a healthy, genetically diverse, self-sustaining population to an area where it has been extirpated, or to augment an existing population. Species that may be eligible for reintroduction are typically threatened or endangered in the wild. However, reintroduction of a species can also be for pest control; for example, wolves being reintroduced to a wild area to curb an overpopulation of deer. Because reintroduction may involve returning native species to localities where they had been extirpated, some prefer the term "reestablishment".
A Przewalski's horse being released into the wild in Mongolia, as part of the Return of the Wild Horses project.
Arabian oryx were reintroduced to Oman and Israel in the 20th century.
Black-bellied hamster (Cricetus cricetus), also known as European hamster, common hamster
A fisher leaps from its holding container and darts off into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.