The Scimitar-horned oryx is regarded as extinct in the wild, throughout the Sahel, since there has been no confirmed evidence of the survival of this species since the early 90’s despite extensive surveys. Oryx were estimated to number 4,000–6,000 in the 70’s, following rigorous anti-poaching and several good rainy seasons but then were reduced following the interruption of protection. The species exists only in captivity.