zorlamas

Zorlamas are a small-to-medium-sized herbivorous mammal endemic to montane forests and highland grasslands. They have a compact body, a short neck, and a thick coat that varies from sandy to dark brown, with a lighter underbelly. Adults typically measure 60–90 cm in body length, with a 20–30 cm tail, and weigh 6–12 kg. Males carry a pair of slender, slightly curved horns used in display and defense.

Zorlamas inhabit rugged terrain and prefer dense understory for cover during the day and open slopes for grazing at dawn and dusk. They live in small family groups of 4–12, led by a dominant female; groups are cohesive but show quiet dispersal behavior.

Behavior and adaptations: They are mostly herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, and shrubs; they browse shrubs in higher altitudes. They are agile climbers and can navigate rocky terrain. Communication includes vocal calls, scent marking, and tail flagging.

Reproduction: Breeding is seasonal; gestation around 140–160 days; usually one offspring per year; calves weigh ~2 kg at birth and are weaned at 4–6 months; sexual maturity around 1–2 years.

Conservation and status: No formal global assessment exists; locally threatened by habitat loss and overgrazing, but overall population is considered stable in many regions.