Overview
The bezoar is a handsome animal, its blackish-brown markings contrasting with the lighter body color. Summer coat is reddish-brown, turning brownish-gray in winter, with old males ashy-gray. Underparts and back of legs are white. The dark blackish-brown areas include the face, throat, chest, dorsal stripe, shoulder stripes, flank stripes, front of legs, and tail. The chin beard is long and black and, in old males, as wide as the chin. Callouses develop on the knees and sometimes on the chest. Males have large, laterally compressed, scimitar-shaped horns. The front edge is sharp, forming a keel for some distance, above which are bold, sharp-edged, widely separated knobs. Females grow short, slender horns and do not have beard. They are tawny-brown at all seasons, with a dark stripe from eye to muzzle.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Capra
- Species
- Capra aegagrus
Habitat
Rugged mountain country, rocky areas, and adjacent meadows. Distribution- Anatolia (Asian Turkey), northeastern Iraq, most of Iran and adjoining western Afghanistan. Also in the eastern Caucasus (where it is said to be rare) and extreme southern Turkmenistan. Its range overlaps that of the east Caucasian tur in the Caucasus, although the tur is at higher elevations. Boundaries with the Sindh ibex to the east are unclear.
Diet
Both grazes and browses, often climbing trees to feed. Has been seen in trees 20 feet (6 m) above the ground, and on limbs extending out over sheer cliffs. Drinks water regularly when available, usually very early or late, or even after dark. Some observers believe it can exist indefinitely without drinking free water.
Behavior
A gregarious herd animal, although older males are usually solitary or in small bachelor groups. Mates in late autumn, with the kids (usually two) born five months later. Sedentary, living its life in a small area. Favors steep, rocky terrain, whether in forests or arid regions. May be diurnal or nocturnal, depending on predator and human activity, but older males tend to sleep in hiding places (often caves) by day and feed at night. Extremely surefooted and agile. All senses are acute.
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 Vulnerable by IUCN, based on loss of habitat and over-exploitation.