The Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) is a species of wild goat native to the mountainous regions of the Iberian Peninsula. Also known as the Spanish ibex, it is a notable inhabitant of these rugged mountain ecosystems.
Defining Characteristics
The Iberian ibex has powerful legs and large, flexible hooves, which allow it to navigate steep, rocky, and uneven terrain with agility. Males are larger and heavier than females, exhibiting clear sexual dimorphism. Males are also distinguished by their large, curved horns that grow outwards, upwards, and then curve backward and inward, sometimes turning upwards or downwards depending on the subspecies.
Female ibex have smaller, thinner horns that develop more slowly compared to those of males. Their coat color generally ranges from brownish to grayish, with variations throughout the year and across populations. These physical adaptations enable them to run and leap effectively on challenging slopes, often out of reach from predators.
Habitat and Feeding Habits
Iberian ibex prefer mountainous habitats with rocky outcroppings, cliffs, and high-altitude pastures. These environments, often featuring scrub or trees, provide food and natural protection from predators. They are found at elevations above 800 meters, though some populations occur at lower altitudes.
As herbivores, their diet varies with seasonal vegetation availability. They are mixed feeders, consuming both browse and graze depending on available plants. Their diet primarily includes grasses, herbs, shrubs, and lichen, with Holm oak leaves and acorns being notable. They also store fat in their kidneys, serving as an energy reserve during colder periods when food is limited.
Ibex Subspecies and Conservation
Four subspecies of Iberian ibex have been described; two are now extinct. The Portuguese ibex (Capra pyrenaica lusitanica) became extinct in 1892, and the Pyrenean ibex (Capra pyrenaica pyrenaica) followed in 2000. Surviving subspecies include the Southeastern Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) in the south and east of the Iberian Peninsula, and the Western Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica victoriae) in the center and northwest.
Population declines in the past were largely due to overhunting and habitat loss. Successful conservation efforts have led to the recovery and expansion of many Iberian ibex populations, with most now stable or increasing. Despite this progress, certain populations remain vulnerable to threats like habitat alteration, fragmentation, low genetic diversity, and competition with domestic and other wild ungulates. The species is classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, reflecting the success of conservation initiatives, which include management strategies for potential overabundance in some areas.