| Nubian ibex | |
|---|---|
| Two Nubian Ibexes at Ein Gedi nature reserve, The Judean desert, Israel | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Artiodactyla |
| Family: | Bovidae |
| Subfamily: | Caprinae |
| Genus: | Capra |
| Species: | C. nubiana |
| Binomial name | |
| Capra nubiana F. Cuvier, 1825 |
|
The Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) is a desert-dwelling goat species found in mountainous areas of Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Sudan. It is generally considered to be a subspecies of Alpine ibex, but is sometimes considered specifically distinct (Capra nubiana). The wild population is estimated at 1,200 individuals.
Nubian ibexes stand around 65-75 cm / 2.1-2.6 ft 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 ibexes 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 ibexes live in rough dry mountainous terrain where they eat mainly grasses and leaves and are preyed upon by leopards, eagles and bearded vultures. Nubian ibexes 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 "Ibex" in Hebrew. The Nubian ibex in particular was prominently featured in the popular television documentary series Planet Earth (episode 5, "Deserts") and also in the BBC Documentary LIFE