Alpine ibex
The Alpine ibex is a distinctive goat antelope native to the cold, mountainous regions of the European Alps. Recognized by its impressive, large, curved horns, the Alpine ibex has made a remarkable recovery from near extinction in the 19th century due to overhunting. Once dwindled to fewer than 100 individuals, conservation efforts have successfully increased their population to approximately 30,000 in the 2020s. These animals are well-adapted to their rugged habitat, with specialized hooves for climbing steep terrain. Male Alpine ibexes typically stand between two and 3.5 feet tall, while females are slightly smaller. They primarily inhabit higher altitudes in the summer and move to lower elevations during the winter months in search of food. Alpine ibexes are herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plants, and they display social behaviors by forming separate herds based on gender. As global temperatures rise, their activity patterns are changing, leading them to become more nocturnal, which presents new challenges such as increased encounters with predators.
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Alpine ibex
The Alpine ibex is a hoofed animal whose natural habitat is the cold and mountainous region of the European Alps. Its large, curved horns give it a unique appearance. The Alpine ibex made an impressive comeback following its near-extinction in the 19th century. Overhunting caused the species to disappear from areas like Germany, Switzerland, and northern Italy. Less than 100 Alpine ibexes were thought to have remained before conservation efforts began. In the 2020s, the species grew to about 30,000 ibex.
Male alpine ibexes can grow horns that are up to three feet long (one meter), while male Siberian ibexes can grow horns that are up to 4 1/2 feet long (1 1/4 meters). Old male alpine ibexes sometimes grow long hair on the back of their necks.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Capra
Species: Ibex
The alpine ibex is a goat antelope. It has a brownish-gray coat with some black in it. They have short, flat tails with bare undersides. Their heads are long with sloping foreheads, small ears, slanting nostrils and goatlike beards on their chins. The male Alpine ibex has large horns that curve in a semi-circle away from the top of its head. The females have much smaller horns. Their hooves are specifically designed for climbing on rough mountain ground. Male Alpine ibexes grow to an overall height of between two and 3 1/2 feet (60 to 100 centimeters) and have a head-to-tail length of between 3 1/2 and 5 1/2 feet (1 to 1 3/4 meters). They weigh between 175 and 220 pounds (78 to 100 kilograms). Female Alpine ibexes are a little smaller. They grow to an overall height of about two feet (60 centimeters) and have a head to tail length of about four feet (1 1/4 meters). They weigh between 65 and 110 pounds (30 to 50 kilograms).
Alpine ibexes get their name from where they live, the Alps of central Europe. During the summer, they live on the higher altitudes of the Alps, but in the winter, when food is scarce, they move down the mountain where there is more food available.
Alpine ibexes travel in herds according to their sex. Adult males travel together, while females and young are in a separate herd. The two groups often join during mating season. Alpine ibexes eat mostly trees, scrub grass, flowers, and low-growing plants. Sometimes they stand on their hind legs to reach leaves, twigs, and tender shoots.
When a predator such as a wolf, lynx, bear, jackal, or fox approaches, the Alpine ibex will hide in the rocks. Sometimes they may even fight attackers with their large horns.
Mating season for the Alpine ibex is in the fall and early winter. Males will separate from other bachelors and find female herds. Adult males must compete against each other to mate with females. Their horns are used as weapons. Successful males develop harems, groups of at least 12 females. After they mate, the gestation period (duration of pregnancy) is about five months. The females then give birth to one or two kids, or young goats. The kids are able to graze after about one month. They are able to leave the herd after two years.
The Alpine ibex has a life span of between 10 and 12 years.
The behaviors of the Alpine ibex are changing as global temperatures, including those of the Alps, increase in the 21st century. The species is becoming more active during night hours. While this new behavior allows the ibex to better endure heat, it is risky in other ways. Alpine ibex may encounter predators who do not appear during the day. The Apline ibex may also have difficulty moving through dangerous mountain terrain at night.
Bibliography
“Alpine ibex.” Animal Corner, animalcorner.org/animals/alpine-ibex. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024.
Jones, Benji. “Something Weird Is Happening to These Alpine Goats. Scientists Say It’s an Ominous Sign.” Vox, 17 Jan. 2024, www.vox.com/down-to-earth/2024/1/17/24039907/climate-change-nocturnal-animals-ibex. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024.
Ralls, Eric. “All about the Mysterious Alpine Ibex.” Earth.com, www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/all-about-the-mysterious-alpine-ibex. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024.