The Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) is most easily recognized by the striking, backward-arching horns of the male, which are incredibly long, and ridged on their outer curve, casting a wonderful silhouette against its rocky habitat. While horns are found in both sexes, the male’s horns are much larger and more developed than those of the female, and can grow up to an astonishing 75 centimetres long. The length of these impressive horns increases with age until maturity, after which the rate of growth decreases.
The Spanish ibex’s coat is a beautiful chestnut brown, with some darker and lighter patches. This highly adapted goat has large, flexible hooves and short legs to help it run and leap across the exposed, irregular, steep slopes of its mountainous habitat. There is quite a large difference in appearance between males and females, with the male being considerably larger than the female. |
