However, all species of oryx are compact and muscular, with relative long bodies and broad necks.

The common beisa oryx once inhabited a large region of northeastern Africa, from Sudan down to Tanzania, but it has been going extinct rapidly.

In 1959, a boundary change in the Serengeti National Park excluded the area inhabited by the common beisa oryx.

Recent observations (1974–1975) show that oryx are still only visitors to the Serengeti National Park, but there are indications that they may become resident in the future.

During the wet season, they move to high ground and avoid tall grass and saturated areas.