Himalayan Ibex

• 03 Apr 2025

Why in News? 

Authorities rescued a Himalayan Ibex with a gunshot injury and arrested four poachers in a remote area between Leh and Kargil districts in Ladakh.

Key Points 

• Himalayan Ibex: 
  • Scientific Classification & Habitat: 
    • The Himalayan Ibex is a subspecies of the Siberian Ibex, scientifically named Capra sibirica hemalayanus. 
    • It is native to the Himalayan region, including India, Pakistan, Tibet, and Nepal. 
    • These ibexes inhabit high-altitude regions, typically found between 3,000 and 5,800 meters in the Trans-Himalayan region. 
      • In India, they are primarily found in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. 
  • Physical Features: 
    • An adult ibex weighs around 90 kg and stands about 40 inches tall. 
    • Males are larger than females and possess massive curved horns with annual growth notches. 
    • Their coat ranges from light brown to reddish-brown, with a white belly and black-and-white leg markings. 
    • During winter, their thick woolly coat provides insulation, which they shed in early summer. 
    • They exhibit a darker dorsal stripe, with coat color varying from pale to dark brown. 
  • Behavior & Adaptations: 
    • Himalayan Ibexes are usually found in small herds, sometimes forming groups of up to 50 individuals. 
    • They are highly agile and can run at speeds of up to 50 km/h, enabling them to navigate rugged mountainous terrain. 
  • Conservation Status: 
    • According to the IUCN Red List, the Himalayan Ibex is classified as Near Threatened, facing threats from habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.