SPANISH IBEX: GLUED TO THE WALLS

A group of males of different ages (Capra pyrenaica hispanica)

Hi!

Here's a thougth which I think we've all had;

How many times have you been walking down a steep hill trying not to fall, moving across a fallen leaves forest floor trying not to make too much noise, leaping from one side to the other of a ditch fearing falling into it or just running as fast as you can through a bushy area ending tired and feeling a bit clumsy and then you think: "How can animals do this and how can they make it look so easy?!!

Well, this thought and the sensation of clumsiness are never as evident as they are when you watch the Spanish Ibexes (Capra pyrenaica).

The way they run and leap across cliffs and steep hills like nothing always amazes me. 

These animals, like other mountain species, are made to live in these tough areas where very few animals, specially mammals can dwell. Their hoofs are designed to hold on to any ledge or protrusion of the surface with incredible efectiveness and accuracy.

A female, her last year's calf and this spring's calf making this wall seem like a normal floor.

All ibexes and species alike are capable of these abilities, but the true power of this one in particular is its adaptability to other environments.

Not so long ago, Spanish Ibexes where very hard to find and they were at the verge of extinction. In fact, of the four subspecies located in the Iberian Peninsula, only two remain alive. The one living in the west-norther part of Spain disappeared at the end of the XIX century due to excess of hunting pressure (probably the loss of proper habitat, the natural predators and the excess of hunting combined altogether were the true reasons). The Eastern-northern one, the one that gives the scientific name to the species, the one that lived in the Pyrenees, lost its last member in January 2000, showing what in my opinion is the "how not to protect a species" way of doing things. Both of the extincted species were just "non profitable". Its hunt was forbidden and they were expected to live in protected areas where human activities were not allowed. On the contrary, the other two species were managed in a more clever way. Its hunt was regulated, allowing local economies to value them as a main way of income. This, combined with the lack of predators and proper agricultural management, evolved in one of the best examples of natural territory expansion.

Nowadays, you can find Spanish Ibexes in areas where there have never been any (at least since the stone ages).

Yes,we're back!!

The only place in the world where you can find this species is the Iberian Peninsula,  with almost the entire population sited in Spain.

In my area, they are expanding very quickly, and if you are lucky, you can spot them just outside the city of Zaragoza. Obviously, the best thing to do if you want to watch them is to go to rocky and montainous areas. I am lucky to have as a friend one of the guys who know more about them, at least in Aragón, so whenever I want to find big old males with spectacular horns, he gives me precious info and advice. Shame I'm such a bad photographer!!

This group of males is placidly searching for a place to spend the night.

 Big horns, old males.

I at My Little Eden (see old post) have a couple of herds. The first individual to appear was a young male around 2003. Now there are around 40 to 50 animals and they are continuing with their expansion.

In particular, there are two females which are specially fond to the most humanized area of the place, and they are now starting their own herd. Oh, just one thing; the fact that they live in the most humanized area does not mean they are easy to spot. I myself have spent many hours just to be able to take a few pictures from the distance.

These are the goats that live near the humanized areas; yes, those two spots in the field. 

try and get closer if you can!!

... and this is the herd they are forming.

It's always a pleasure to come across these almost mythical animals, specially in these days when other animal species numbers are going down.

So, as always, if you come to Zaragoza or nearby and you want to watch one of the most beautiful ibexes in the world, I'll be pleased to take you there!!!

Wanna see them?

Have fun and enjoy the nature that surrouds you!

ROE MY DEER!!!

Hello again!
This post is about one of my favourites: roe deer!!

We are in the peak of the summer and temperatures are really high, above 35ºC most of the time...tough times for every living creature around this area.
But there's one species that comes particularly active during this time of the year, specially at dusk and dawn: roe deer.

Young male roe deer suspecting something...

The mating season takes place in July, but from June until August you can enjoy watching this beautiful animal if you don't mind getting up early or waiting patiently near the crop fields late in the afternoons. If you are careful enough, you'll be rewarded with what in my opinion is one of the best sights nature can offer. A roe deer placidly eating while the sun sets or, if you are lucky, a couple of them chasing each other playing Romeo and Juliette are images that will endure in your memories forever.

"Don't run away from me my Deer..."

The secret is to be very quiet, move slowly and, the most important thing of all, make sure the wind comes "from the watched and not from the watcher". The senses of a roe deer are very developed, mostly hearing and smelling. Don't forget that human scent means danger for all animals, so never use perfume, cologne, deodorant and stuff like that; you might think it covers your personal "fragrance", but in reality, the mixture ot the perfume and your skin odour is much more potent and thus threatening for them.

In this video you can see how to precede. Notice that the wind never gets from me towards the deer, I'm in a higher position, so the chances of getting detected are less, and I dont move or make any sound.

Is there a nicer way to see the sun set? 

Of course, you can enjoy the presence of these animals the whole year, 'though from December up until May, these "forest dwarves" as we call them around here, become undetectable. Notice that this is when males loose their antlers and females are at the end of their pregnancy or taking care of the newborns. Also, in this time of the year, it is not very clever to search for them (or any animal at all) insistenly for this is the time when they need to bee focusing on raising their babies and thei need to feel secure. So, never search the same areas and, if you do, limit your activities to quiet and relaxing walks, but be eyes wide open for there are many traces of animal activities; e.g.:

A fallen antler can easily be mistaken with a dried tree branch, but it's a definitive proof of deer activities.

Young pine used as a brush to mark a male's territory and to remove the velvet from the young antler.

If you find fallen antlers, droppings, "beds" in wind protected areas, young bushes which have bee used as "scratching brushes" or footprints, you have to know that very close there's a huge chance that one of these graceful animals is watching you for they are very loyal to their everyday territories.

Who played Barry White a few minutes ago?

"Let's find a less crowded place my Deer, I think we're not alone"

So, next time you come to Zaragoza, if you want to spend a couple of hours getting away from the day heat and watching these animals in these incredible landscapes, I'll be pleased to take you there. 

You'll never forget it.