Overview
They have the markings very similar to a bezoar ibex, but the deep red coloration is quite different from the much lighter tan color of the bezoar. The black markings, however, are practically identical in both. The horns of the Mallorcan are much more similar to many different types of domestic goats, but even these horns have become relatively standardized for the Mallorcan wild goat.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Capra
- Species
- Capra aegagrus
Habitat
Mediterranean flora dominates Mallorca. Scrub forests of pine, buckthorn, rosemary, wild olive, lentiscus and dwarf fan palms have been the island's main vegetation over the centuries. You will also find holm oak trees thrive in high rainfall areas in the mountains. There have been around 1,500 flowering plants recorded on the island with rockrose, lavender and orchids amongst them. On the coast, in the sand dunes, there are Ammophila grasses. Unfortunately, it is only the pine tree which is not in decline, and this is because of human intervention. Distribution- Found on Mallorca Island, Spain which is one of the Balearean Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Mainly found on the entire west coast and north-west in the Sierra de Tramuntana and the Formentor, Alcudia and Artá Peninsulas.
Diet
Its diet is extremely varied, including fruits such as lentisk, acorns, tender pine and holm oak sprouts, plant and shrub leaves, as well as the bark of many types of trees. It is a highly destructive feeder and able to climb trees to feed in the branches.
Behavior
They are diurnal and all senses are good. They climb trees not only to feed, but also to keep an eye out for danger.
Hunting
Note to hunters- on the island, one can also find introduced Feral Goat; the coats of these animals usually show three or more colors in a spotted pattern. Only goats depicting the clear black cross over reddish brown coat will be accepted as Balearean Goat by SCI. Or put differently: not every goat hunted in Mallorca is automatically a Balearean Goat. The goats are certified as pure by the local game department of Mallorca. This wild goat sub-specie cannot be counted for the Capra World Slam of 12. However, it can be counted for the Capra World Slam Super 20 and Super 30.
Conservation Status
The biggest threat to their existence being the cross-breeding with domestic livestock.