During a recent visit to New Mexico's White Sands National Monument in the southern part of the state, my group stopped into the visitors center after spending a fun day on the otherworldly dunes. I noticed one display had pictures of invasive species that are threatening the natural ecosystem, and was confused to see this in the middle of the exhibit.
NPS Photo
Oryx? Gemsbok? Surely this is an African animal, I thought...how the heck did they get here? Indeed, the oryx is a kind of gazelle, (which is a branch of antelopes) native to the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa. Also referred to as gemsboks, 95 of the animals were released on the surrounding Missile Range between 1969-77. The NM Dept. of Game and Fish wanted to increase hunting opportunities (or maybe revenues?) by introducing exotic species to areas with few big game.
NPS Photo
Now there are thousands of gemsbok thriving in the area today, to the point where the National Park Service had to put up a 70- mile fence around the monument to prevent possible damage. The hunts are ongoing, but the animals are highly suited to their new environment. There are plenty of grasses and yucca for them to eat, and they also love the abundant mesquite beans and buffalo gourds that grow here.
Thure Johnson.](
Oryx are also well adapted to the lack of consistent water, as their native habitat has given them the ability to go for long periods without drinking. In Africa, their populations have been held in check by lions and other large predators, but in New Mexico, there aren't enough mountain lions and coyotes to really have an effect on oryx numbers. It is only the annual hunts that keep the species in check, but even this has had only marginal effect. Perhaps the oryx is here in New Mexico for good!