Mammals · Artiodactyla · Bovidae

Iberian Wild Goat

Capra pyrenaica

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

It is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula alone, and its populations went into severe historical decline, close to extinction in the early 20th century, but have recovered markedly through conservation work.

Weight

35 kg – 80 kg

Size

1 m – 1.4 m

Lifespan

12 years

Diet

Herbivore

Feeds mainly on plants.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

Herd

Lives in large groups as a strategy against predators.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

MountainHerbivore Diurnal In herds Mountain Mammal

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Fun facts

It has recovered in areas such as Sierra Nevada and Cazorla-Segura.
It grazes and browses a wide range of mountain plants.
It lives in mountain country above 800 m with rocky outcrops in the Iberian Peninsula.
locomociónIt can climb near-vertical rock on split hooves that mould to the surface, and is often seen on steep cliffs across the Iberian Peninsula.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (mammal)
Habitat & environment: Mountain country above 800 m with rocky outcrops and coniferous and broadleaf woodland in the Iberian Peninsula
Birth weight: Born precocial
Size at birth: Born precocial
Sexual maturity: Female: 1.5-2 years | Male: matures at around 2 years, but does not usually breed until 5-6
Gestation / incubation: 161-168 days
Litter / clutch size: 1 young per birth (occasionally 2)

Sources consulted: Dimensions.com; Animal Diversity Web; PMC (sarcoptic mange ELISA study)

Where to find it

See its range on the interactive map

Best time: From November to December, during the rut, when the males fight on the slopes; in Gredos and the Sierra Nevada it is easily watched all year round.

Spain France Portugal

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