Zoo Stock Species and the Red List

Zoo Stock

This indicates that the species is included in the Second Zoo Stock Plan, which was formulated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 2018. The plan sets goals for the next 10 years in three areas: "species conservation," "contribution to wildlife conservation," and "environmental education and conservation awareness." 124 animal species are included.

What is the Red List?

Based on scientific research, this is a list of wildlife classified by rank (category) indicating the degree of risk of extinction.
Livng Things Encyclopedia shows the categories (mainland and islands) assessed by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) at the global level, the Ministry of the Environment for Japan, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for Tokyo.

The higher the category in each table, the higher the risk of extinction, and CR, EN, and VU are the three categories known as "endangered species." In Tokyo, species that are not at the NT (near threatened) level but are relatively rare are considered "species of concern."

IUCN categories
EX	extinction
EW	Extinction in the wild
CR+EN	—
CR	Serious crisis
EN	crisis
VU	emergency
NT	Near Threatened
LC・○	Low Concern
DD	Data shortage
LP	—

Japan (Ministry of the Environment) Category
EX	extinction
EW	Extinction in the wild
CR+EN	Endangered species
CR	Critically Endangered
EN	Endangered species
VU	Endangered species
NT	Near Threatened
LC・○	—
DD	Lack of information
LP	Endangered local population

Tokyo Category
EX	extinction
EW	Extinction in the wild
CR+EN	Endangered species
CR	Critically Endangered
EN	Endangered species
VU	Endangered species
NT	Near Threatened
LC・○	Unranked
DD	Lack of information
LP	Endangered local population

Creatures at Tama Zoo

Scimitar-horned Oryx
Oryx dammah

Of the four species of oryx, Scimitar-horned Oryx is the only one with saber-shaped horns. They live in groups of around 20 to 60 individuals. In environments with abundant water, they drink water every day, but it is said that they can survive for long periods without drinking water.

classification	Mammalia, Artiodactyla, Bovidae
English name	Scimitar-horned Oryx
distribution	Republic of Chad in Central Africa (reintroduced)
Residence	Semi-desert areas, grasslands
Size	Height: 110cm to 125cm Weight: 180-200 kg
food	Grass and legume plants, succulents, acacia pods, etc.
Red List	IUCN: EN (crisis)

Tama Zoo exhibition area

Tama Zoo, African Zone

corner

Both males and females have saber-shaped horns that curve gently backward. They can grow to over 1 meter in length. Due to the shape of their horns, they are also known as the "crescent-horned oryx."

Colors and patterns

The fur is white, the neck and chest are reddish brown, and the face has brown markings.

Pregnancy and childbirth

The gestation period is approximately 240 to 260 days, and they give birth to one calf at a time.

Sexual maturity and lifespan

They reach sexual maturity at about 1.5 to 2 years old, and their lifespan in captivity is about 15 to 20 years.

Extinction in the wild

They once lived in the desert regions north and south of the Sahara Desert, but extinction was reported in various places from the 1850s, and they became extinct in Chad in 1989 when the last wild individuals were shot. The causes of their extinction are thought to be hunting, loss of habitat due to overgrazing, drought, and civil war.

reintroduction

The reintroduction began in 2016 with the release of captive individuals into a protected area in Chad. By 2022, nine groups had been released, with an estimated population of 140-160 individuals.

History of breeding at Tama Zoo

Tama Zoo began raising these animals in 1967. At the time they arrived, there were very few of them being kept in zoos around the world, making them extremely rare. Since their first breeding in 1968, the park has maintained a captive population.

Return to Livng Things Encyclopedia