It was originally described as a distinct species by Oldfield Thomas in 1892, but was subsequently re-evaluated as a subspecies of the East African oryx by Richard Lydekker in 1912.

The horns are similar in males and females, and have an average of 16 rings around the lower half, before smoothly tapering to a point.

Although previously not found within the present-day boundaries of the Serengeti National Park, herds of fringe-eared oryx began moving into that area in 1972,[5] where they still remain.

They inhabit semi-arid grasslands, scrubland, and Acacia woodland,[6] being most common in areas with an annual rainfall of 40 to 80 centimetres (16 to 31 in) per year.

[8] In addition, oryxes have the ability to produce highly concentrated urine, and to re-absorb significant amounts of water from their food.

Herds have a home range of 300 to 400 km2 (120 to 150 sq mi), within which the animals move in search of green vegetation.

The loser in such fights may be pushed back up to 30 metres (98 ft), but the animals do not attempt to gore one another or cause serious injury.

Single young are born after a gestation period of around nine months, and weigh between 9 and 10 kg (20 and 22 lb) at birth.