Overview
General color is pale brown without a lighter saddle. The horns are shorter and slimmer than those of the Siberian ibex, but the cross ridges are often larger and closer together.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Capra
- Species
- Capra sibirica
Habitat
Arid mountains within the Gobi Desert. Distribution- Gobi and trans-Altai Gobi in Mongolia and China.
Diet
Desert grasses and forbs.
Behavior
Males and females remain in separate herds outside of the breeding season. 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. 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
More information is needed.