Wild goat

Bezoarziege

Blackbuck1-Kirthar National Park

Wild Goat, Zagros, Behbahan

The wild goat (Capra aegagrus) is a species of goat that is native to Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and parts of Central Asia. It is the ancestor of the domestic goat (Capra hircus).

Description

Wild goats are medium-sized ungulates with a robust body, strong limbs, and backward-curving horns. Males are larger than females and have more prominent horns. Their coat color varies from light brown to gray, with a lighter underbelly. They have a distinctive beard and a short tail.

Habitat

Wild goats inhabit mountainous regions, preferring rocky terrains and cliffs where they can find shelter and escape from predators. They are highly adapted to steep and rugged landscapes.

Behavior

Wild goats are social animals, typically forming herds consisting of females and their young. Males are usually solitary or form small bachelor groups, joining the female herds during the breeding season. They are diurnal, feeding primarily on grasses, leaves, and shrubs.

Reproduction

The breeding season for wild goats occurs in the autumn. Males compete for access to females through displays of strength and dominance. After a gestation period of about 150-180 days, females give birth to one or two kids, which are weaned after six months.

Conservation Status

The wild goat is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, some populations are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and competition with livestock.

Related Pages

• Domestic goat
• Bovidae
• Caprinae
• Artiodactyla
• Mammalia

See Also

• List of Artiodactyla by population
• List of mammals of Europe
• List of mammals of Asia