![]() ![]() alaiana (Tian Shan Ibex ) – Alay Mountains sibirica (Siberian or Altai Ibex ) – Sayan Mountains Though some recent authorities treat the species as monotypic, others have recognized four subspecies, based mainly on differences in total size, size of horns and colour of pelage: įemales near Kargil, Ladakh, India Subspecies Siberian ibexes typically moult between April and July, developing their paler summer coat, which continues to grow and become darker as the year progresses, reaching the full winter condition around December. Females and infants are generally more bland in colour than the adult males, and do not always have the stripe down the back. The undersides are paler, and, in the winter, mature males becoming much darker with white patches. There is usually a stripe of darker hair down the centre of the back and onto the tail, and some males have saddle-like patches on the back in the winter. The colouration is also variable, from dark brown to light tan, with some reddish individuals. ![]() The exact shape of the horns varies considerably between individuals. Both sexes have circular rings around their horns that represent annual growth, but males also have large transverse ridges along the front surface. Those of fully-grown males are black and typically measure about 115 cm (45 in), although in extreme cases they can grow to 148 cm (58 in). The female's horns are relatively small, and grey-brown in colour, measuring an average of 27 cm (11 in) long. The coat of Siberian ibex is well suited for camouflage in mountains with low or no vegetation. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |