Photo Feature
Bezoar Ibex
Bezoar ibex Capra aegagrus aegagrus The Bezoar ibex is a subspecies of wild goat and is unfortunately a popular target for trophy hunters across its range in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Georgia and Russia. Found from sea level along the Aegean Sea all the way up to 3,000 m., its most prominent and intimidating features are its 1.5 m.-horns, the longest of any animal relative to body size. As with other animals, it has survived evolutionary gauntlets, but Earth’s rapidly-changing climate leaves the ibex with no time to adapt to changing circumstances. This, some experts suggest, could change its status in the decades ahead from vulnerable to endangered.
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: Sabr Dri