Range: Northeastern Africa, to southwest Asia.

Habitat: Dry desert, mountains, deep valleys and steep cliffs.

Diet: Herbivore: desert bushes, grasses.

Life Span: 10 - 18 years.

Adults average 27 to 43 inches high at the shoulder and weigh approximately 200 pounds. The male's horns can grow up to 56 inches in length forming a semicircle over its back, whereas the female of this species has shorter horns that only grow up to 15 inches in length. They have very large ears, and older males have a long beard

Females and young live in herds of up to 20 individuals, while males spend much of the year in bachelor groups. Males frequently fight amongst themselves for hierarchy.

Both the male and female have very strong hind legs often used for defense. If they feel as if they are in danger, then they will rise up on their hind legs and point their horns towards their predator.

Mating occurs in the fall, followed by a gestation period of 5 to 6 months. Within 24 hours of birth, young ibex are able to walk; within 48 hours of birth they can run and jump; and within a week, they can follow their mother practically any place she may go, including the steepest cliffs.

Interesting Facts about Ibex

1) The Nubian ibex has special grooming habits that include grackles. Flocks of grackles peck at the hides of the ibex. They peck for parasites and any other critters that may be harmful to the ibex. There is only one grackle per ibex and the grackles often compete for each ibex.

2) The two main predators of the Nubian ibex are leopards and Arabian hunters.