Addax live in small herds of about ten individuals of both sexes, led by the oldest male. Nomadic, they travel long distances in the desert in search of food. Guided by a highly developed sense of smell, they can detect the slightest hint of rain from far away (over 100 km!). 

In very hot weather, addax rest in hollows they dig to shelter from the sun and violent sandstorms, and are active at night.

The addax can be recognised by the long spiral horns that can measure up to 1 metre in length, which both males and females have, and by the dark fringe of hair on its forehead.

A nasal passage that acts as a cooler and a variable internal temperature protect its brain from high temperatures, while highly concentrated urine limits water loss. The addax can thus go without drinking for months: dew and the water contained in plants are sufficient for it. Well adapted to life in the desert, it has short, broad hooves that prevent it from sinking into the sand. Its white coat protects it from the sun's reflection and becomes more grey-brown in winter.

Addax populations have collapsed to less than a hundred individuals due to hunting, oil exploration and civil unrest. It is the most threatened ungulate in the Sahara.