Overview
This subspecies can be the largest in size and grow the largest horns. Its coloration is very different from that of the Siberian and Gobi ibexes. In winter coat, most adult males are a cinnamon-brown color of varying intensity, becoming browner and duller on the flanks, shoulders and thighs. There usually is a dark, well-developed dorsal stripe, and also a light-colored saddle patch that can vary in size, shape and location. A very dark flank band separates the brown flanks from the whitish belly. There is a distinct brown band on the front surface of the forelegs, a lighter one on the hind legs. The head is lighter than the flanks-actually somewhat grayish-and the beard is brown. However, there is a good deal of individual variation in color and markings. Some animals are darker or lighter, and some are a uniform light gray color. The dorsal stripe may be wide, narrow, or absent entirely. The saddle patch may be light or dark, large or small, on the neck or shoulder instead of the small of the back, absent entirely, or there may be more than one patch. Females seldom if ever have a saddle patch. Regional variation also occurs. Ibex from the Alai Mountains in Tajikistan (alaiana race) have been described as light grayish-brown in summer, with a dark dorsal stripe but no saddle patch; and bright foxy red in winter, with a distinct light saddle patch. Those from the Terskey-Ala-Too range in Kyrgyzstan (almasyi race) have been said to be reddish-brown-fawn in summer, with distinct light saddle and neck patches and tending to gray on the head; turning to some shade of grayish-brown in winter, with a broad dark dorsal stripe and small, dark saddle and neck patches. Horns very long and relatively slender with comparatively small cross ridges. Ibexes of the Naryn district in Kyrgyzstan (merzbacheri race) are stated to differ from almasyi by lighter coloration, a more distinctly defined dorsal saddle and much shorter, more divergent and more heavily knotted horns. However, none of these descriptions is consistent with the region or even within the herd.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Capra
- Species
- Capra sibirica
Habitat
Rocky and precipitous mountain terrain. Distribution- The Pamir, Alai, Transalai and Tian Shan mountains in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and China.
Diet
This animal both grazes and browses based on seasonal availability.
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. 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.