High-altitude rock climber.

From almost extinct to protected and widespread: the alpine ibex success story.

The alpine ibex in a nutshell

eats
grasses, herbs, mosses, lichens
inhabits
the Alps
excels at
rock climbing

Alpine ibex live in mountainous areas at altitudes of up to 3200 metres. As their name suggests, they come from the Alps in Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and France. During summer, they live high in the mountains above the tree line, and in winter, they descend to lower areas that are free of snow.

Small herds

Females live in small herds, led by a dominant female. Males also live in small herds until the mating season begins and they take up a solitary existence, behaving in an aggressive manner towards each other.

Alpine ibexes in ARTIS.

The status of this species on the IUCN Red List is least Concern.

  • least Concern
  • near threatened
  • vulnerable
  • endangered
  • critically Endangered
  • extinct in the Wild

Young

Females usually give birth to one kid and sometimes two. Kids can move around by themselves soon after birth, and they frolic and clamber like adult ibexes. They need to be able to do so in order to master mountain climbing and develop a good sense of balance, so that they can accompany their mother into the mountains. Kids are suckled by their mother for about six months. When danger threatens, the mother protects her young by attacking enemies with her horns or by distracting them.

two capra ibex calves in ARTIS.

Saved from extinction

The alpine ibex used to be common throughout the Alps, but hunting greatly reduced its numbers to the extent that it was thought to be completely extinct by the early 19th century. Fortunately, a last remaining group of 100 individuals was discovered in Italy. The kings of Sardinia and Italy protected the species by banning hunting and establishing a hunting reserve. This area was turned into a national park in 1922, which saved the alpine ibex from extinction.

Capra ibex with calf in ARTIS.