ovicaprines

Ovicaprines are a group of hoofed, cud-chewing ungulates within the subfamily Caprinae of the Bovidae family. In many taxonomic schemes they are treated as the tribe Ovicaprini, a clade that historically includes the true sheep (genus Ovis) and goats (genus Capra) as well as closely related caprid genera. Because classifications vary, some authorities place these animals in broader groupings within Caprinae rather than as a single formal tribe.

Members of the ovicaprines are medium to large ruminants characterized by two-toed, cloven hooves and permanent horns in many species. They are generally adapted to rugged and varied habitats, from mountainous terrain to grasslands and arid regions. Diet is herbivorous, consisting mainly of grasses, shrubs, and other available vegetation. Social behavior is common, with many species forming herds and exhibiting seasonal breeding, display, and hierarchical structures.

Across their native ranges in Europe, Asia, and Africa, wild ovicaprines have adapted to a wide range of climates and terrains. They have been domesticated for thousands of years, giving rise to the domestic sheep (Ovis aries) and the domestic goat (Capra hircus). Domestic breeds show extensive variation in size, wool or hair type, horn configuration, and coloration, reflecting long-term human selection for production traits, temperament, and suitability to different environments.

Taxonomic placement of ovicaprines has varied among authorities. Some classifications maintain Ovicaprini as a distinct tribe within Caprinae, while others coordinate sheep, goats, and related taxa under broader caprid categories. Advances in molecular phylogenetics have clarified relationships among Ovis, Capra, Rupicapra, and other caprids, but debates about precise limits of the group continue.