From Extinct to Endangered: Scimitar-Horned Oryx Upgraded from 'Extinct in the Wild' to Endangered Thanks to Zoo Work

In a groundbreaking conservation achievement, the scimitar-horned oryx has been upgraded from "Extinct in the Wild" to "Endangered" by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This remarkable development marks the first time a species has ever been moved from the former category to the latter on the IUCN Red List. Decades of dedicated work by zoos worldwide, alongside the collaborative efforts of governments and organizations, have led to this momentous milestone. The scimitar-horned oryx, once declared extinct in the wild, has been given a new lease on life. The journey towards this success began with the partnership between Environment Abu Dhabi, the government of Chad, the Sahara Conservation Fund, and the Zoological Society of London. Through their combined efforts, local landowners and nomadic herders were enlisted to support the reintroduction of the scimitar-horned oryx to the Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve in Chad. Starting in 2016, captive animals from zoos and private collections around the world were brought together to ensure genetic diversity. The first release took place within a fenced-off section of the reserve, allowing the oryx to acclimate to their once-native habitat. Over the years, the population has grown, with the recent assessment estimating between 140 and 160 individuals. This extraordinary achievement highlights the potential of zoological conservation efforts and international collaboration. It demonstrates that with suitable habitats and collective dedication, endangered and even extinct species can be brought back from the brink. The successful reclassification of the scimitar-horned oryx serves as a beacon of hope for future conservation endeavors.