Location: Spain
Habitat:Â Mountain
Diet: Herbivore
Characteristic: Backward-curving horns that can reach lengths over 31 inches
Conservation: Vulnerable
The Spanish Beceite Ibex, Capra pyrenaica hispanica, is a subspecies of the Iberian ibex (Spanish ibex). It belongs to the Bovidae family, which includes wild goats and sheep. The Beceite Ibex is a sturdy and agile mammal with a shoulder height of about 30 to 33 inches and a body length of around 51 to 59 inches. It has a distinctive coat with short, dense fur that varies in color from brownish-gray to reddish-brown. There are darker patches on the neck, shoulders, and thighs, while the underparts are lighter. The males are larger than females and possess impressive backward-curving horns that can reach lengths of over 31 inches.
This ibex subspecies is native to the Iberian Peninsula in Spain, with its primary range in the Beceite Mountains, Maestrazgo, and other mountainous regions of eastern Spain. They inhabit rugged terrain, including steep cliffs and rocky slopes, where they can navigate with remarkable dexterity. These Ibex are herbivorous and primarily browse on a variety of plants, such as grasses, herbs, shrubs, and tree leaves. Their diet may vary depending on the season and the availability of vegetation in their habitat.
Beceite Ibex are social animals that form herds, each led by a dominant male called a "goat." The dominant male holds his position through displays of aggression and the size and shape of his horns. Female ibexes (called "nannies") and their offspring form the core of the herd. During the rutting season (breeding season), males compete for mating rights with females. Rutting season typically occurs in the fall, during which males engage in ritualized fights to establish dominance and mating privileges. Female Ibexes give birth to one or occasionally two kids after a gestation period of about five to six months.
The Beceite Ibex, like other subspecies of the Iberian Ibex, faced significant population declines due to hunting, habitat destruction, and disease outbreaks in the past. However, concerted conservation efforts, including legal protection, habitat management, and reintroduction programs, have helped stabilize their populations.