article_snippet: The scimitar oryx - oryx dammah in Latin - gets its name from its scimitar-shaped horn which can measure up to 5ft (1.5m) in length.
article_snippet: Some experts believe the oryx may be the basis for the unicorn legend  because when seen side-on the unicorn legend   can appear as if the oryx only have one horn.
article_snippet: The scimitar oryx - oryx dammah in Latin - gets its name from its scimitar-shaped horn which can measure up to 5ft in length .
article_snippet: Originally from North Africa, the oryx antelope is thought to have gone extinct in the wild in 1999 - due to hunting and loss of habitat .
article_snippet: The horns are made from hollow bone, so can break off quite easily and do not grow back - making one horned oryx a relatively common occurrence.
article_snippet: The oryx antelope, originally from North Africa, is thought to have gone extinct in the wild in 1999 - due to hunting and loss of habitat.