Alpine ibex
Capra ibex
Did you know ... that young ibex attend kindergarten? Several ibex in a herd will have kids of a similar age and take turns in supervising their young.
Family
Bovidae
Distribution
Ibexes became extinct in the 19th century in Switzerland. The first three ibexes were smuggled into Switzerland from Italy in 1906 and successfully reintroduced soon after. Numerous ibex herds are now found across the entire Alpine region. In Switzerland alone, their numbers are currently estimated at over 15,000.
Habitat
Ibex prefer steep, rocky slopes, generally above the snow line. They migrate in line with the seasons, following the growth of vegetation. They live in Alpine meadows in summer and autumn, retreating to steep, south-facing slopes in winter and can be seen at lower altitudes in spring.
Lifestyle
Both sexes live in separate herds during the summer, joining together in late autumn and staying together over the winter. Ibexes are excellent climbers and possess specially adapted hooves. They retreat to the steepest rock faces when confronted with danger.
Reproduction
Their mating season is in December and January, with the highest-ranking males having priority. Males clash for dominance during the course of the year, which means that the rutting season passes without much conflict.
Senses
As inhabitants of open landscapes, ibexes have well-developed senses of sight, smell and hearing.
The ibex in Langenberg
Since 1948. A herd of males and a herd of females with young cavort on the old artificial rock and the subsequently constructed natural rock. These are regularly sprayed to destroy parasites. In addition to hay, deciduous and coniferous trees, the ibex are also provided with salt licks.
