Mammals · Artiodactyla · Bovidae

Siberian Ibex

Capra sibirica

Near Threatened

It could become endangered in the near future if current threats go unchecked. See full glossary

The Asiatic ibex, also known by regional names such as the Siberian ibex, Altai ibex, Central Asian or Tian Shan ibex, Gobi or Mongolian ibex and Himalayan ibex, is a polytypic species of the genus Capra, an artiodactyl mammal of the family Bovidae native to the mountains of interior Asia. It is frequently described as having long horns with outward-pointing tips, a black stripe crossing the back, more or less contrasting dark and pale patches, yellowish white on the flanks and upper neck, and a long beard. These features may nonetheless vary considerably between populations and within the same conservation units, leaving the morphological descriptions in need of review, as is the case with the taxonomy of these Asian ungulates.

Weight

130 kg on average

Size

up to 1.7 m

Lifespan

17 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

Moderate

MountainGrasslandHerbivore Diurnal In herds Near Threatened Mountain Grassland Mammal

14countries 13parks86same family

Fun facts

GeneralThe largest wild goat, and the snow leopard's main prey.
It is the longest and heaviest member of the genus Capra, although the markhor exceeds it in shoulder height.
Its horns are the largest in the genus: the male's measure from 100 to 148 cm, while the female's do not exceed 38.
It is the snow leopard's main prey across much of Central Asia, so its abundance directly conditions that of the cat.
Its cloven hooves combine a hard outer rim for gripping rock with a soft inner surface that provides adhesion on rugged terrain.