Overview
This is the largest and darkest Spanish Ibex with the largest horns. Typically, the horns are straighter than in Gredos ibex and have a spiral turn of less than 180 degrees. Horn thickness remains constant for half the length, then decreases toward the tip, which is not as thin as in the Gredos race. While this is the typical Beceite horn conformation, other horn shapes may be found in this region and even in the same herd.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Capra
- Species
- Capra pyrenaica
Habitat
This ibex inhabits rocky arid cliffs, often in close proximity to humans and nearby farmland. Distribution- Mountains of Beceite and Tortosa in northeastern Spain.
Diet
Primarily browses but will graze on grasses and forbs as available.
Behavior
Males and females remain in separate herds outside of the breeding season, which takes place in November and December. Yearlings will separate from their mothers when new offspring are born, with female yearlings returning to the female herds and male yearlings leaving their mothers permanently for male-only groups. When Spanish ibex spot predators, they stand erect with ears and head pointing towards the predator, followed by an alarm call, sounding like a high-pitched whistle, to warn other ibex nearby. These animals routinely escape predators by running for the cover of rocky cliffs.
Hunting
Hunting methods will vary based on topography of the specific area, but generally ibex are pursued through spot and stalk methods, glassing from vantage points and then pursuing a herd containing a desired male. Hunters should be in good physical condition and be prepared for precipitous terrain and potentially long shots.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.