what is an ibex

An ibex is a type of wild goat, with several species found in Eurasia, North Africa, East Africa, and the mountainous regions of Europe, north central Asia, and northern Africa. They are distinguished by the males large recurved horns, which are transversely ridged in front. Both male and female ibex have very long horns, which are used for territorial defense and sexual selection. They curve backward, forming a semicircle, and have knobby rings on the outer curve. Male horns may reach about 5 feet (1.5 m) long. Ibex are herbivores, feeding mainly on grasses, flowers, bushes, springs, and other plants. They are social animals, living in groups called herds, which are segregated by gender, meaning males will have a herd, and the females and offspring will be in another herd. The two herds usually meet only during breeding season. The male herd is called a bachelor herd.