This relatively small ibex is most easily recognized by the impressive, backward-arching horns of the male, which are long, slender and ridged on their outer curve, casting a magnificent silhouette against the rocky, mountainous terrain of its surroundings. Whilst found in both sexes, these horns are much larger in males than females, growing up to 120 cm on bucks, and only 35 cm on females. The coat is a light sandy brown colour, with a white underbelly, while the legs bear conspicuous black-and-white markings. Bucks have a dark stripe down the back and older males have a long, dark beard. During the October rut, the neck, chest, sides, shoulders and upper legs of the bucks become dark brown to almost black in colour. The differentiation between species and subspecies status in ibexes is very controversial and remains somewhat debated, with all species previously classified under Capra ibex. |
