Nubian Ibex

Wildlife in Israel

The Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) is a desert-dwelling goat species found in mountainous areas like the Judaean Desert and the Negev. The wild population is estimated at 1,200 individuals. Nubian ibexes stand around 65–75 cm (2.1–2.6 ft) tall at the shoulder and weigh around 50 kg (110 lb). They are a light tan color, with a white underbelly; males also have a dark brown stripe down their backs. Nubian ibexes have long, thin horns that extend up and then backward and down. In males, these reach around 1 m in length, while in females they are much smaller.



“The high mountains belong to the wild goats; the crags are a refuge for the hyrax.”

Psalm 104:18

In Israel, the historically dense ibex population, described in the Bible (Psalm 104:18), was decimated in the wake of the First World War when the sudden availability of rifles enabled Bedouin to hunt them to near extinction. After the establishment of the state, when hunting was outlawed and nature reserves were created in which they were protected, the Nubian ibex population rebounded. Three ibex populations have been discovered in Israel: in the Judean Desert, the Negev mountains, and Eilat.



“So Saul took three thousand able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats.”

1 Samuel 24:3

Nubian Ibex Ecology

Nubian ibexes live in rough, dry, mountainous terrain; where they eat mainly grasses and leaves and are preyed upon by leopards; wolves; common foxes, eagles, and bearded vultures. In addition, they are social and herds tend to consist of females, young, and males up to the age of about three years. Furthermore, the males are solitary or form more transitory bands of up to eight individuals. During the breeding season, males join the female-based herds for the six- to eight-week rut. Large males then do battle with much clashing of horns. (see video below)



arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik, an Israeli native who dedicated his life to sharing my passion for the Holy Land with those interested in knowing more about this incredible piece of land. I’m the Chief Guide at ‘APT Private Tours in Israel’.

Did you know the Hoopoe is Israel's national bird?! For more cool info about Israel, join our ever growing community and get exclusive travel tips, and giveaways!

How Was Ramon Crater Formed?

RELATED POSTS

Masada National Park

Masada National Park is one of Israel’s most popular tourist attractions. Located on the eastern edge of the Judaean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea; the ...

Mamshit National Park

Mampsis is the Nabataean city of Mamshit which became Mamshit National Park in the Negev, part of the Incense Trade Route.

Avdat National Park

Nestled within the heart of the Negev desert, Avdat National Park emerges as a captivating portal to a bygone era—a city that once thrived along ...

Joe Alon Center

The Museum of Bedouin Culture (Joe Alon Center) was founded with the aim of perpetuating the traditional way of life of the Bedouin.

The Hoopoe in Israel

The hoopoe was chosen as the national bird of Israel in May 2008 in conjunction with the country’s 60th anniversary; following a national survey of 155,000 ...

Nabi Musa

Nabi Musa meaning "The Prophet Moses" is the name of a site in the West Bank believed to be the tomb of Moses (according to ...

Ein Prat Nature Reserve

Originating close to Jerusalem and stretching all the way to Jericho before flowing into the Dead Sea in the Wadi Qelt. Ein Prat Nature Reserve is the ...

Butterflies of Israel

Where are the best places to spot Butterflies in Israel? Which Butterflies can you actually see in the Holy Land? All about it in this ...

Ein Avdat National Park

Not to be confused with Avdat National Park, the archaeological site just down the way, Ein Avdat National Park is a separate national park with ...

Ben-Gurion’s Tomb National Park

This post delves into the significance of Ben-Gurion's Tomb National Park and what makes it a destination for history and nature lovers.

Need help?

Skip to content