Walia Ibex

Taxobox
name = Walia Ibex
status = CR
status_system = iucn2.3
trend = unknown
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Mammalia
ordo = Artiodactyla
familia = Bovidae
genus = "Capra"
species = "C. walie"
binomial = "Capra walie"
binomial_authority = Rüppell, 1835

The walia ibex ("Capra walie", Ge'ez: ዋልያ "wālyā") is a species of ibex that is critically endangered. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the Alpine Ibex. Threats against the species include habitat loss, poaching, and restricted range. Only about 400 individuals survive in the mountains of Ethiopia, concentrated in the Semien Mountains, largely due to past poaching and habitat depletion. If the population were to increase, the surrounding mountain habitat would be sufficient enough to sustain only 2,000 ibex. The adult walia ibex's only known wild predator is the hyena. However young ibex are often hunted by a variety of fox and cat species. The ibex are members of the goat family, and the walia ibex is the southernmost of today's ibexes. In the late 1990s the walia ibex went from endangered to critically endangered due to the declining population. The walia ibex is also known as the abyssinian ibex.

Anatomy

These animals have a chocolate-brown to chestnut-brown coat coloration, greyish-brown muzzle, and a lighter grey in the eyes and legs. The belly and insides of the legs are white, and black and white patterns stretch upon the legs of these animals. The males have very large horns which curve backwards, reaching lengths up to 110 cm, weighs 80 - 125 kg (180 - 280 lb). These horns are used for dominance disputes between males. The males also have distinguished black beards. The length of the walia ibex beard varies with age. The older males have longer, thicker beards than the young ones have. Females also have horns, but they are shorter and thinner. Females are smaller and lighter in color. The horns on both males and females are rigid. The overall size of the walia ibex is smaller and slimmer than the Alpine Ibex.

Behavior

Walia ibex live in herds ranging from five to twenty animals. However the older more mature males are often more solitary, though they will remain within a short distance of the main herd most times and during the mating season and rejoin with the herd for breeding purposes. Breeding usually takes place during late fall and early winter. The following spring, the female will give birth to one or two offspring. A herd of walia ibex was noted to travel one half of a kilometer up to two kilometers per day.

Habitat and ecology

The Walia Ibex lives in very steep rocky, cliff areas between 2,500 and 4,500 meters high. Their habitat is mountain forest, sub-alpine grasslands, and scrub. They are grazers. Their diet includes bushes, herbs, lichens, shrubs, grass, and creepers. Often seen standing on its hind legs to get to young shoots of giant heath. Most active in the morning and evening and will rest in the sun on rock ledges. Males live in bachelor groups and females live in groups with their offspring. Mating season is at summit from March to May. Males compete for females by ramming their horns with amazing force. Gestation period occurs around 150–165 days. They reach sexual maturity at one year of age.

Population and threats

This species is only found in the northern mountains of Ethiopia. Only 150–200 animals were surviving in 1963, but now the population has increased to 500 individuals. They have been hunted extensively for meat and horns. The horns are used as mugs and as trophies. Habitat loss is another major threat against the species. Encroaching settlement, livestock grazing, and cultivation are all problems. Road construction is also fragmenting the habitat. Luckily, the Semien National Park which was established in 1969 has helped the species. However, they are still in trouble and need some more conservation measures to help protect them.

References

* http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/3797/summ
* http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/3797/dist
* http://www.arkive.org/species/GES/mammals/Capra_walie/more_info.html
* http://www.animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Capra_walia.html
* Nowak, Ronald M. Walkers Mammals of the World. N.p.: JHU Press, n.d