Which animal, extinct in the wild since the 1980s, was re-established in Chad in January 2026 through rewilding efforts?

The scimitar-horned oryx, a striking antelope with long, curved horns, once roamed across the Sahelian grasslands of North Africa. However, due to relentless overhunting and significant habitat loss, its population dwindled dramatically throughout the 20th century. By the 1980s, sightings of this magnificent creature in the wild became exceedingly rare, leading to its official declaration as "Extinct in the Wild" by the IUCN in 2000.

A monumental international conservation effort was launched to bring this species back from the brink. Zoos and breeding centers worldwide contributed to establishing a "World Herd" in Abu Dhabi, ensuring genetic diversity for a future reintroduction. This collaborative project, spearheaded by the Sahara Conservation Fund, the Environment Agency–Abu Dhabi, and the Government of Chad, began the ambitious process of returning the scimitar-horned oryx to its native habitat.

The first groups of captive-bred oryx were reintroduced to Chad's Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve in 2016, marking a pivotal moment in rewilding history. These efforts proved successful, with wild-born calves thriving in the reserve. The population has since flourished, and in December 2023, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reclassified the scimitar-horned oryx from "Extinct in the Wild" to "Endangered," a testament to the power of global cooperation in conservation. Ongoing monitoring and management continue to support the growth of this re-established population in Chad.