Stambecco

Historical Notes

This kind of large wild goat is very confident with humans and for this reason it risked extinction in the Alpine region, especially after the appearance of firearms with which it was hunted for meat and for the presumed healing properties of many of its parts. During the 19th century and after World War II, only a few hundred individuals remained in the Gran Paradiso National Park and the Parc National de la Vanoise, from which, naturally and through reintroductions, they have returned to populate all the Alps. In the Parks of the Cozie Alps, it has been reintroduced since 1995 with individuals from the Gran Paradiso National Park.

Sexual Dimorphism

The ibex is a species characterized by high sexual dimorphism, that is, by significant morphological differences between males and females. A male individual has a significantly greater body mass, can reach a height of 1 meter at the withers, as well as larger horns that can exceed one meter in length and weigh up to 8 kg. In females, the horns do not exceed 30 cm and the coat is lighter compared to males. Males are more solitary and remain separated from the females who, instead, live in herds with the young, called kids, until they are about two years old. Often, real nurseries are formed with groups of 15/20 kids cared for by a couple of females while the others are busy feeding.

The Horns

The ibex's horns are permanent, made up of a bony framework covered with keratin material. Their growth stops during the summer season, producing the characteristic rings from which it is possible to estimate the individual's age.

Weight

Males can weigh over 100 kg, while females typically reach 40/50 kg.

Reproduction

Ibex reproduction generally occurs between mid-December and mid-January, preceded by sporadic but spectacular clashes between males which, with powerful headbutts, establish reproductive supremacy. Gestation lasts about 6 months, and females give birth to 1 calf - rarely 2 - every 1 or 2 years in the months between May and June. The kid is able to walk within minutes of birth and follow its mother in her movements.

Longevity

The life expectancy of ibexes is on average between 15 and 20 years, although individuals who have far exceeded this threshold are documented. Females are generally longer-lived than males.

Some Curiosities

Ibexes have an extraordinary ability to climb even on almost vertical rock walls where they tend to take refuge, even with their young, to protect themselves from predators. This is thanks to the structure of their hooves, which have a hard outer dark-colored covering that can firmly anchor even on very small ledges, and a soft inner part that adheres to the rock. Compared to chamois, their hooves lack a fillet and interdigital cavities, making movements on snow more challenging.

They have a limited ability to regulate body temperature, suffering particularly in high temperatures. Therefore, during the summer season, they are forced to make numerous moves between cooler rocky environments at high altitudes and sunny, hot meadows where they can feed.

Since the entire population of Alpine ibex descends from about a hundred individuals that survived extinction in the second half of the 20th century, it is characterized by reduced genetic variability, making it more fragile to attacks from pathogens.