About Capra nubiana F.Cuvier, 1825
Nubian ibex, scientifically named Capra nubiana F.Cuvier, 1825, are the smallest ibex species, consistent with Bergmann's rule. They stand roughly 65–75 cm (26–30 in) tall at the shoulder. This species is sexually dimorphic: males are substantially larger than females, with males averaging 52–74.7 kg (115–165 lb) and females averaging 25.3–32.7 kg (56–72 lb). Their bodies are light tan with a white underbelly; males additionally have a dark brown mane running down their backs. Their legs have a distinct black and white pattern. They have a lighter-colored rump paired with a dark brown tail. Males begin growing a beard at 2 to 3 years of age, and the beard continues to grow longer and darker as the male ages. During the autumn breeding season, mature males grow a very dark brown "rutting fur" on their breast and sides. This fur appears in October for 3–4-year-old males, but may appear as early as July or August for older males aged 6 and up. Even when fully mature, not all males develop rutting fur. Nubian ibexes have long, thin horns that extend upward, then curve backward and downward. In males, horn length reaches around 1 m (3 ft 3 in), while female horns are much smaller, reaching around 30 cm (12 in). Male horns are thicker than female horns, and grow large bulges that stop horns from sliding when males lock horns during combat. Male horn growth plateaus around 7–8 years of age, while female horn growth plateaus between 4–6 years of age. There is a clear relationship between an individual ibex's age and the number of horn ridges. Historically, Nubian ibex ranged across the Middle East and Northeastern Africa. Today, their range falls within Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Israel, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Sudan. The species was extirpated in Lebanon, though a captive breeding and reintroduction process is currently underway there. It has been fully extirpated in Syria. Its presence is unconfirmed in Ethiopia, Eritrea and Yemen. Mating season for Nubian ibex typically occurs in October and November. During this time, a dominant male will pursue multiple females. When females are in estrous, males produce a strong-scented secretion. As they pursue potential mates, males curl their lips and smell the females' anal region. Males can reach breeding maturity as early as 2 years old, but they often cannot mate until age 5, when they are strong enough to fend off rival males. Females can breed as young as six months old, but most do not breed until they are 1–3 years old. Research indicates that some Nubian ibex subpopulations are developing a second spring mating season, as an adjustment to hyper-arid climates. Gestation lasts 5 months. Litters of 1–2 kids are born between March and July; the majority of births are synchronized within a 3–4 week period that peaks in late March and April. Females leave their herd to give birth in a secluded location. Newborn kids can stand within 15 minutes of birth, and can nurse within two hours. The mother and her young rejoin the herd within a few days, then join other mothers and young to form a crèche that lasts for several weeks. Leaving kids in a sheltered crèche lets mothers access richer food patches and areas farther from cliffs, compared to mothers that keep their kids with them at all times. Kids are weaned around 4 months old. Females reach full mature size at 3–4 years old, while males reach full mature size around 6 years old. Nubian ibex can live up to 12 years in the wild and up to 18 years in captivity.
