Nubian Ibex
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Nubian Ibex in the Negev desert
Nubian Ibex near Eilat
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Capra nubiana F. Cuvier, 1825 |
The Nubian Ibex (Capra ibex nubiana) is a rocky desert dwelling goat antelope found in mountainous areas of Israel, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt and Sudan.
Nubian Ibex stand around 60 centimetres (about 24 inches) tall at the shoulder and weigh around 50 kilograms (about 110lbs). 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 centimetres).
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.