THE SPANISH IBEX 



376 



Head of Spanish Ibex. Mr. Abel Chapman's specimen. 



The SPANISH IBEX (Oapra pyrenaica). 



Although commonly designated an ibex, the Spanish wild goat has 

 horns more like those of one of the Caucasian tur, and is therefore 

 better regarded as a species of that group. The horns, which have a 

 sharp inner edge, are twisted in a very open semi-spiral, with the tips 

 generally turned outwards, and are quite unlike those of the true ibex. 

 In having dark and light markings on the limbs the species is, however, 

 much more like the Persian wild goat than either of the Caucasian tur. 

 The beard of the males varies greatly in size according to age and 

 season. Height at shoulder from about 27 to 32 inches ; weight, 

 when clean, about 10 stone. 



Distribution. The Pyrenees and the high ranges of Central Spain, 

 Andalusia, and Portugal. The typical form of the species inhabits 

 the Pyrenees ; those inhabiting the more southern parts may be 

 distinguished as a separate race (C. pyrenaica hispanica). 



