Caprinae

Caprinae is a subfamily of the family Bovidae, and includes a diverse group of 34 species of medium to large-sized ungulates, including sheep, goats, muskoxen, and tahr. The domestic sheep and goat are both part of this subfamily.

Characteristics

Members of the Caprinae subfamily are characterized by their stocky bodies and adapted to steep terrains. They have large horns in both sexes, although larger in males, and a scent gland in the groin. They are ruminants, feeding on a diet of mainly grasses and herbs.

Taxonomy

The Caprinae subfamily is divided into several tribes, including:

• Tribe Caprini: This tribe includes the domestic sheep and goat, as well as several wild species such as the mouflon and the urial.
• Tribe Rupicaprini: This tribe includes the gorals and serows.
• Tribe Ovibovini: This tribe includes the muskoxen.
• Tribe Hemitragini: This tribe includes the tahr.

Distribution and habitat

Caprinae species are found in a wide range of habitats, from the cold tundra of the Arctic to the hot deserts of the Middle East. They are particularly adapted to live in mountainous areas.

Conservation

Several species of Caprinae are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and disease. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these species and their habitats.

See also

• Bovidae
• Ungulates
• Ruminants

Caprinae Resources
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