There are four species of oryx distributed across the desert and semi-desert regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The Beisa Oryx inhabits the arid and semi-arid zones of the Horn of Africa, primarily in Kenya, Ethiopia, southern Sudan, and northeastern Tanzania.

Its horns can measure nearly a meter in length. They are an effective tool for defense against predators and are also used by males during ritual displays.

Beisa Oryx live in groups of 12–30. They drink regularly when water is available but part of their food (roots, bulbs and tubers), which they obtain by strenuously digging in the ground, provides them with a substitute source of hydration in case of drought.
 
This species, the majority of which lives outside of protected zones, is endangered because of hunting and the encroachment of domestic herds on its biotope.