The addax (Addax nasomaculatus) is a critically endangered species of antelope native to the Sahara Desert of North Africa. 

Physical Characteristics: Addax are medium-sized antelopes with a distinctive appearance. They have a stocky build, with a broad body and relatively short legs. Their coat is pale in colour, ranging from sandy white to almost grey, providing camouflage in their desert habitat. Both males and females have long, twisted horns that curve backwards and then forward at the tips, which can grow up to 80 centimetres (31 inches) in length.

Habitat: Addax are adapted to arid and semi-arid environments, particularly the sandy deserts and scrublands of the Sahara Desert. They are well-suited to living in harsh desert conditions, with specialized physiological adaptations that allow them to conserve water and tolerate extreme temperatures.

Diet: Addax are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses, herbs, and shrubs found in their desert habitat. They are highly efficient at extracting moisture from their food and can survive for long periods without access to drinking water, relying instead on the moisture content of their diet.

Behaviour: Addax are primarily crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the cooler hours of dawn and dusk when temperatures are more moderate. They are well-adapted to desert life, using their keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing to detect predators and locate food and water sources.

Social Structure: Addax are typically found in small herds consisting of a dominant male, several females, and their offspring. They have a hierarchical social structure, with dominant individuals asserting control over resources such as food, water, and mating opportunities. Addax communicate with each other through vocalizations, body language, and scent marking.

Reproduction: Breeding in addax typically occurs throughout the year, with peaks in mating activity during the cooler months. After a gestation period of around 9 to 10 months, females give birth to a single calf, which can stand and walk shortly after birth. Calves are cared for by their mothers and remain with the herd for protection and socialization.

Conservation Status: The addax is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to severe population declines caused by habitat loss, poaching, and competition with domestic livestock. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining populations, restoring degraded habitats, and breeding addax in captivity for reintroduction into the wild.

Overall, the addax is a remarkable and unique species adapted to life in the harsh desert environments of North Africa. Efforts to conserve and protect this iconic antelope are crucial for ensuring its survival in the wild for future generations.