Oryx, a large species of antelope, are found in the deserts of New Mexico. These striking animals, characterized by their long, spear-like horns and distinctive black-and-white markings, are native to Africa. Their presence in the American Southwest prompts questions about their introduction, as they are not indigenous to the region.
Origin of Oryx in New Mexico
The South African oryx, also known as the gemsbok (Oryx gazella), was introduced to New Mexico by the Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) beginning in 1969. This program aimed to create new big game hunting opportunities where native large game species were scarce. New Mexico’s arid lands, particularly the Tularosa Basin and the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), were considered ecologically similar to their African homelands, providing suitable habitat.
The initial release involved 95 oryx between 1969 and 1977, beginning with seven animals in October 1969. Original imports were brought to an experimental range in Red Rock, New Mexico. Due to federal regulations prohibiting direct release of wild animals, offspring were then released onto the White Sands Missile Range and surrounding areas. This approach established a huntable population, leveraging the animals’ desert adaptability.
The NMDGF, alongside the U.S. Department of Defense and WSMR, oversaw these releases. Frank C. Hibben, a former chairman of the New Mexico State Game Commission and an avid big-game hunter, was instrumental in initiating this introduction. He observed the similarities between African and New Mexican deserts, envisioning a new hunting experience. The program considered several exotic species, but the oryx proved particularly well-suited for the Chihuahuan Desert’s environment.
Ecological Impact and Management
The introduction of oryx has impacted New Mexico’s ecosystems. These large antelopes are highly adapted to arid conditions, surviving long periods without water and thriving on a diverse diet of desert grasses, yucca, buffalo gourds, and mesquite bean pods. Their success is partly attributed to the absence of natural predators in New Mexico, unlike in Africa where large carnivores regulate oryx populations.
As their population grew from the initial 95 individuals in 1977 to an estimated 5,000 to 6,000, concerns about their ecological footprint increased. Oryx grazing habits can lead to competition for forage with native herbivores like pronghorn and mule deer, and even livestock. Their large size and tendency to congregate in herds can also result in the trampling of native vegetation, potentially contributing to grassland loss and increased shrub encroachment.
Land managers implement various strategies to manage the oryx population and mitigate their environmental effects. Regulated hunting seasons, which began in 1974, serve as the primary means of population control. These hunts include specialized opportunities on the White Sands Missile Range, known for their limited availability. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish also offers population management hunts, primarily targeting female animals to reduce reproductive rates.
Additionally, efforts are made to prevent oryx from entering protected areas. For example, a 67-mile boundary fence was erected around White Sands National Park in 1996 to deter oryx, though they sometimes bypass it. While the NMDGF views oryx as a managed non-native species, their presence continues to pose challenges for balancing recreational opportunities with wildlife conservation and military operations, as they can occasionally interfere with activities on the missile range.