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!