Alpine ibex

Scientific name: Capra ibex

How weight is recorded: Carcass weight

Field notes

Appearance

Males are larger with prominent, backward-curving horns marked by prominent transverse ridges; females are smaller with shorter, thinner horns. Coat is gray-brown to dark brown, lighter on the belly, with a short mane along the back in males.

Size and weight

Males: 65–100 kg, body length 150–170 cm. Females: 35–50 kg, body length 135–150 cm.

Habitat

Alpine ibex inhabit steep, rocky alpine and subalpine terrain from approximately 1,800 to 4,500 m elevation. They prefer exposed ridges, cliff faces, and sparse grassland with minimal vegetation, avoiding forested areas.

Distribution

Endemic to the Alps, with populations in Switzerland, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein. They occupy the highest accessible terrain, preferring south-facing slopes and rocky outcrops.

Diet

Ibex graze on alpine grasses, herbs, and lichens in summer; in winter they browse shrubs, moss, and lichen on exposed slopes where snow cover is minimal.

Behaviour

Diurnal grazers most active at dawn and dusk; they form small herds (5–20 individuals) segregated by sex outside breeding season, moving between high pastures and cliff refuges.

Hunting tips

Look for fresh droppings (small, pellet-like) and hoof marks on scree; ibex leave distinct tracks in soft ground and snow. Approach from below or across ridge systems; use terrain folds and outcrops for cover while stalking upwind. Glass open slopes early morning and late afternoon when ibex move to feed; move slowly across exposed terrain to avoid detection.

Carcass weight

This species is logged by carcass weight — the animal weighed dressed, the way hunting teams normally report it.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 5 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.