Chordates • Earth.com

Walia ibex

(Capra walie)

galery

Description

These animals have a chocolate-brown to chestnut-brown coat coloration,greyish-brown muzzle,and a lighter grey in the eyes and legs.The belly and insides of the legs are white,and black and white patterns stretch upon the legs of these animals.The males weigh 80–125 kg (180-280 lb) and have very large horns which curve backwards,reaching lengths up to 110 cm (43 in).These horns are used for dominance disputes between males.The males also have distinguished black beards.The length of the walia ibex beard varies with age.The older males have longer,thicker beards than the young ones.Females also have horns,but they are shorter and thinner.Females are smaller and lighter in color.The horns on both males and females are rigid.The overall size of the walia ibex is smaller and slimmer than the alpine ibex.Walia ibex live in herds ranging from five to 20 animals.However the older,more mature males are often more solitary,though they will remain within a short distance of the main herd most times and during the mating season and rejoin with the herd for breeding purposes.Breeding usually takes place during late fall and early winter.The following spring,the female will give birth to one or two offspring.A herd of walia ibex was noted to travel one half of a kilometer up to two kilometers per day.

Taxonomic tree:

Domain:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum:
Class: Mammalia
Order:Artiodactyla
Family:Bovidae
Genus:Capra
News coming your way
The biggest news about our planet delivered to you each day