Ibex goats are wild goats that live in mountainous regions of Europe, north central Asia and northern Africa. There are 5 mains species of ibex. They’re known for their long, curved horns and cloven hooves. Male ibex goats are also known for having long beards. Ibex goats are related to antelopes, buffalo, bison, cattle, goats and sheep. Find out more!

Ibex goats grow between 1 and 5.5 feet, or 30 and 170 centimeters, from their hooves to their withers, which is the highest part of their shoulder at the base of their neck. On average, they weigh between 65 and 265 pounds, or 30 and 120 kilograms.

They’re herbivores, which means that their diet is primarily plant based. Their diet consists of shrubs, bushes and grasses. Due to the low nutritional value of their diet, they spend the majority of their time grazing and looking for food. They inhabit massive cliffs that would be dangerous for most predators.

Ibex goats are social creatures and like to live in groups called herds. However, the herds are segregated by gender, with males having one herd and the females and offspring being in another herd. The two herds will often meet during breeding season.

Males use their scent to communicate with potential mates. The Nubian ibex males will use their beards to spread a scent that draws in and excited female during breeding season.