Alpine Ibex
Capra ibex
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Artiodactyla · Bovidae
About
The Alpine ibex, also known as the steinbock, is a European species of goat which lives in the Alps. It is one of ten species in the genus Capra and its closest living relative is the Iberian ibex. The Alpine ibex is a sexually dimorphic species; males are larger and carry longer horns than females. Its coat is brownish-grey. Alpine ibexes tend to live in steep, rough terrain and open alpine meadows. They can be found at elevations as high as 3,300 m (10,800 ft) and their sharp hooves allow them to scale the steep slopes and cliffs of their mountainous habitat.
Fun Fact
Alpine ibex can climb near-vertical dam walls in Italy to lick mineral salts from the stonework, their specially adapted hooves gripping seemingly smooth concrete surfaces at dizzying angles.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Rocky alpine terrain
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
10-16 years
Threats
- Climate Change
- Infrastructure Development