Alpine Ibex

Description:

Male specimens commonly grow to a height of about 1 meter (3 feet) and reach a weight of about 100 kg (220 lb). Females are usually only half the size of males. Apart from size, males can also be distinguished by their prominent beard. Older males will tend to grow beards under their chin. Both male and female ibexes have large, backwards-curving horns although those of the male are substantially larger and can grow to an impressive length of up to 1 m. These horns are used to defend themselves from predators such as wolves, lynx, bears, jackals and foxes. Ibexes are strictly herbivorous and survive on a diet of grass, moss, flowers, leaves and twigs. If leaves and shoots are out of reach, Ibexes often stand on their rear legs to reach this food. They eat during late afternoon and evening hours, descending at this time from the high steep cliffs and into the lower alpine meadows below. The rest of the day is spent in the higher altitude of the cliffs and hills. This pattern of remaining at higher altitudes during the bright daylight hours helps protect them from predators who do not inhabit such high terrain. In the winter, Ibexes also tend to live at lower altitudes since food is more scarce. The need to drink every few days in the summer causes the Ibexes to seek permanent residence within proximity to a dependable water source during this season. If predators are after them, Ibexes will hide in the rocks of the steep cliffs

Habitat:

The Alpine Ibex, commonly called by its German or Dutch name, steinbock or by its Latin name Capricorn—is the species of ibex that lives in the European Alps. Being an excellent climber, its habitat is the rocky region along the snowline above alpine forests of the European Alps. They tend to occupy steep, rough terrain at elevations of 6,500–15,000 feet.

Notes:

This spotting was done in a park. These Ibex are captive animals. Parc Oméga is a unique concept in Quebec. It is an immense 1 800 acre park whose purpose is to let you discover many species of wild animals in their natural habitat every day of the year. (Parc Oméga is open all year round.) A 10 km path winds its way through an extraordinarily varied landscape of lakes, meadows, small valleys, forests, and rocky hills. While in the comfort of your vehicule, you can listen to 88.1 FM on your radio to learn more about the animals of the park and their habits. We also invite you to take a walk on one of our romantic paths and enjoy a picnic with your family.