About our Name
Addax Petroleum was named after a typically African antelope that can be found in Saharan and sub-Saharan Africa.
The addax is a large bodied antelope with white to sandy coloration and long, thin, spiral horns that slant back and upward. It is particularly known for its ability to survive in harsh environments and is considered the most-well adapted antelope to a desert environment as it is able to get most of the water it needs from plants.
In the process of choosing a name, the addax antelope was seen as a perfect symbol to embody the spirit of Addax Petroleum's founders and the burgeoning culture of the company. It brought us closer to the continent where we started our operations and it still asserts our deep and continuous attachment to the African continent. It also reflects our philosophy and belief in the capacity of the company to adapt and prosper in areas deemed to offer little by transforming local resources into strong assets for growth.
Uncontrolled illegal hunting and harassment continue to threaten the addax. This antelope is today one of the most endangered mammals in the world. Current estimates show there to be less than 500 antelopes left in the wild. Addax Petroleum has therefore acted to try and protect the species by supporting the Sahara Conservation Fund (SCF) in two major projects: the designation of a protected area in the Termit/Tin Toumma region in eastern central Niger, and an addax conservation programme in the Egueï region in northwestern Chad. In both cases, the philosophy of the projects is the same: to act in consultation with the local populations and to preserve - or if necessary re-establish a heavily undermined ecosystem - by drawing on the SCF’s expertise in preserving wild fauna.
| Fun Facts |
| » Addax antelopes possess broad, flat hooves with flat soles that help prevent them from sinking into the desert sand. |
| » These antelopes are one of the few species where males and females have horns of the same size. |
| » These desert antelopes' coat colour changes from dark greyish-brown in winter to white in the summer - an efficient method of maintaining body temperatures. |
| » Addax antelopes will dig depressions in the sand in which to rest. These are often located in the shade of boulders for protection from the wind and sun. |
For further information on the addax antelope, please visit:
www.saharaconservation.org
www.animalinfo.org