Location: Spain
Habitat: MountainÂ
Diet: Herbivores
Characteristic: Rubbery padding on hooves to help them grip rocks
Conservation: Vulnerable
The Southeastern Ibex (Ronda) is a remarkable species found in the mountains of southern Spain, specifically in the Sierra de las Nieves and Sierra Bermeja regions. These rugged, rocky landscapes serve as their primary habitat. Ronda Ibex are medium-sized ungulates with striking features. Adult males, known as "bucks," weigh between 110 to 130 pounds and stand around 2.5 feet tall at the shoulder. Their most distinctive feature is their large, backward-curving horns that can reach impressive lengths.
These herbivores have adapted to the challenging mountain terrain by being excellent climbers. They primarily feed on a diet of grasses, herbs, and shrubs found in their rocky habitat. Their nimble hooves and surefootedness allow them to navigate steep cliffs and rocky outcrops with ease.
Ronda Ibex often form small, segregated groups with females and their young living together. Mating season typically occurs in the late fall, with males competing for dominance by engaging in horn clashes. Females give birth to a single offspring after a gestation period of about six months.
Ronda Ibex populations have faced threats such as habitat degradation, hunting, and competition with introduced species. Conservation efforts, including protected areas and regulated hunting, have helped stabilize their populations.