Nubian ibex
| Nubian Ibex | |
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| Species: | C. nubiana
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| Capra nubiana F. Cuvier, 1825
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The Nubian Ibex (Capra ibex nubiana) is a rocky desert dwelling goat antelope found in mountainous areas of Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt and Sudan. It is generally considered to be a subspecies of Alpine Ibex, but is sometimes considered specifically distinct (Capra nubiana).
Nubian Ibex stand around 60 centimetres (24 in) tall at the shoulder and weigh around 50 kilograms (110 lb). Nubian Ibexes are a light tan colour, with a white underbelly, in males there is also a dark brown stripe down the back. Nubian Ibex have long thin horns which extend up and then backwards and down. In males these reach around a metre in length while in females they are much smaller (around 30 cm (12 in)*).
Nubian Ibex live in rough dry mountainous terrain where they eat mainly grasses and leaves and are preyed upon by leopards, eagles and bearded vultures. Nubian Ibex live in herds composed solely of males or females. They are diurnal, they are active during the day and rest during the night.
The Biblical heroine Yael's name means "Nubian Ibex" in Hebrew.
The wild population is estimated at 1200 individuals.
Gallery
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Nubian Ibex in the Negev desert -
Nubian Ibex near Eilat -
Male Nubian ibex in Eilat
References
- Template:IUCN2006 Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is endangered and the criteria used