From the archive record
Ibex are wild goats that live in the mountainous regions of Europe, north-central Asia and northern Africa. There are five species of ibex, according to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). They have long, curved horns and cloven hooves. Males have long beards. Ibex are related to antelopes, buffalo, bison, cattle, goats and sheep. Ibex is typically about 1 to 5.5 feet (30 to 170 centimetres) from their hooves to withers, the highest part of the shoulders at the base of the neck. Ibex tend to weigh about 65 to 265 lbs. (30 to 120 kilograms). Both male and female ibex have very long horns, which are used for territorial defence and sexual selection. They curve backwards, forming a semicircle, and have knobby rings on the outer curve. Male horns may reach about 5 feet (1.5 m)