Oryx Antelope.

The South African, southern Oryx (normally known by it's Afrikaans name "Gemsbok") is a close relative of the fringe-eared Oryx of East Africa. It is found in the dry and hot semi desert/desert areas of Southern Africa, in particular the Kalahari Desert of the Northern Cape. Of all the living creatures of the Kalahari, the "Gemsbok" has adapted itself, ingeniously to survive in the harsh environment of drought and extreme temperatures.

It only drinks water for the mineral content and have a very low metabolic rate, to lessen the need for food and water. It will seek the shade during the heat of the day. If a breeze is blowing it will stand broadside to the breeze, on top of dunes, where the air might be a bit cooler, than at the base. For food, course grass, wild cucumbers and bulbs will be sought after at night, when the moisture content is higher. But the most interesting aspect of these animals is, they do not sweat to cool down! They raise their body temperatures for up to eight hours - to a level that would be lethal to humans. In extreme heat the body temperature can be up to 45 deg. C. This conserves water and allows heat to flow from the animal. It is made possible by a complex network of fine blood vessels, called the carotid rete, located below the brain. Warm blood pass through this network, which is surrounded by veins that carry blood, cooled through evaporation in the nasal area. The interaction of warm blood with the "cooler" blood from the rete, lowers the temperature of the blood by a few degrees before entering the brain. This ensures the survival of the Oryx in waterless areas, where few other antelope types can survive. It is also not uncommon for these animals to travel great distances in a relatively short time, to seek out waterholes. It is the only antelope that represents: beauty, power, ruggedness, gallantry with a keen sense to survive. Some believe the Oryx is the origin of the mythical unicorn, due to it's side profile - with only one horn visible.