ibex

The ibex is a wild mountain goat, typically referring to several species in the genus Capra. The best-known is the Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) of the European Alps. Other widely recognized ibex species include the Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) of North Africa and the Middle East, the Persian ibex (Capra aegagrus ibex) in Iran and surrounding areas, and the Siberian or Central Asian ibex (Capra sibirica). In common usage, ibex denotes these and other mountain-dwelling caprids adapted to rugged terrain.

Ibex are sturdy, with compact bodies and short tails. Males bear long, backwards-curving horns that can exceed a meter, with horn ridges indicating age; females have shorter horns. Coats vary by species and season, from pale to dark brown, with thicker fur in winter.

They inhabit rocky cliffs and high mountain slopes, often above the tree line, though some species range into deserts or foothills. Diet consists mainly of grasses, herbs, and shrubs. Ibex form mixed-sex or single-sex groups seasonally; breeding occurs in autumn, with a gestation of about five months and usually a single kid born in spring.

Historically hunted for meat and horns, ibex populations declined in parts of their range during the 19th and 20th centuries. Protection, habitat management, and reintroduction programs have helped many populations recover, though some subspecies remain threatened. The ibex is a symbol of mountain ecosystems and a focus of conservation and research.