Caprines

Caprines refers to a subfamily of ruminant mammals, Caprinae, within the family Bovidae. This subfamily includes a variety of goat-like and sheep-like animals. Key members of the caprine subfamily are domestic goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) and domestic sheep (Ovis aries). Wild species within Caprinae include various wild goats, ibexes, markhors, and wild sheep such as mouflons and bighorn sheep.

Caprines are characterized by their cloven hooves, typically straight or curved horns, and a diet of grasses and other vegetation. Many species are adapted to living in mountainous or rocky terrain, possessing agility and sure-footedness. They are found across diverse environments worldwide, from the arid regions of Africa and Asia to the alpine meadows of Europe and North America.

Domestication of goats and sheep occurred thousands of years ago, making them some of the earliest animals to be tamed by humans. These domesticated species are economically important for their meat, milk, wool, and hides, playing a significant role in agriculture and human livelihoods. The wild relatives of domestic caprines often face conservation challenges due to habitat loss and competition with livestock.