That is more than likely a different type of Oryx that you are thinking about. Those that are in NM are what is commonly called Gemsbok in Africa. There is also Arabian Oryx, Beisa Oryx, Fringe-Eared Oryx, and the Scimitar-horned Oryx. There is a lot of talk all the time on the internet and they are commonly referred to as just Oryx. But the these animals are different in size, color, and shape of horns and origins.
Unless I am really mistaken and the Scimitar-horned Oryx are over in New Mexico as well. But to my knowledge its the Gemsbok hunts that are done there on the Whitesands in New Mexico and not the Scimitar-horned Oryx like I have on my ranch.
Both of the species are very good eating. The Gemsbok is a bit bigger and carries a much more aggressive attitude. It is native to South Africa. Scimitar-horned Oryx are native to North Africa where they were nearly hunted to extinction. They are not quite as aggressive. The Scimitar-horned Oryx is also an Appendix I CITIES animal. In 2005 an effort was made from the Exotic Wildlife Association to put the Addax, Damma Gazelle, and the Scimitar-horned Oryx back in part of their native homeland. To my knowledge this was successful and all three species are thriving at the last that I heard. This is important as its part of an effort by landowners here in the USA to kee the species off the Endangered Species list. If that did happen, we could not hunt them here like we do today. If we could not hunt them here, lots of ranches would completely loose interest in raising them and the species would only exist in zoo's. Today, there are more Scimitar-horned Oryx in Texas alone than in their native homeland. The Gemsbok however is thriving very well in South Africa as well as parts of the US.
I highly recommend a book by Elizabeth Mungall - "Exotic Animal Field Guide" to anyone wishing to know more about some of the exotics here in the USA. It's a very handy book to have that gives lots of helpfull information on exotics.
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