The Alpine ibex is a medium-sized goat, recognized because of its long backward-curving horns. Their famous horns can grow up to 100 centimeters long on male individuals and 35 centimeters on females. The Alpine ibex is a strong jumper and a strong-footed climber. They are most active during early morning and late afternoon. During midday, they lie in the shade of rocks. In the winter, they can be found at medium elevations. When the warm weather approaches, they go up to the highest parts of the Ötztaler Alps, following the receding snowline. There, not far from Innsbruck they spend late spring, summer, and autumn. The females and young form their own groups. Males join the groups only during the rut in December and January. A single offspring is born in May or June.
Practical info
When can the Alpine ibex be seen in Austria?
The Alpine ibex can be spotted in Austria between December to January, or May to September. During winters, the ibex can be observed at medium elevations, while they tend to move towards the highest parts of the Ötztaler Alps, spending late spring, summer, and autumn. Spotting times have been shared for the ibex's admirers to ensure they can encounter these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. Show more
What is the location in Austria where Alpine ibex is found?
You can find the Alpine ibex mainly in Ötztal Alps in Austria which is located not so far from Innsbruck. They move to higher altitudes with the receding snowline during summers which extends beyond 2000m altitude. Different high-altitude zones such as winebergerhorn and grossglockner are great places to see these magnificent ibexes in action. Show more
What is the maximum length the horns of a male Alpine ibex are known to grow?
The length of the horns of male Alpine ibex can reach up to 100cm while the females have horns of up to 35cm. As per studies, it is believed that a ibex's health can be reflected through the length of its horns. Large horns are a symbol of the dominant male which helps in determining their authority over other males at the time of mating. Show more
Which time of the day are Alpine ibex most active?
The Alpine ibex is highly active during the early morning and late afternoon, taking breaks during midday to relax and seek shade under the rocks or any other sheltered spaces. To witness the ibexes in their natural surroundings, it is necessary to visit them during the morning or afternoon hours, and thus, this time has been recommended for the ibex's enthusiasts. Show more
What is the average number of offspring that the Alpine ibex gives birth to?
The Alpine ibex gives birth to one offspring per pregnancy, with a single kid born in May or June. Post-birth, the kid stays with its mother for a year. Female Alpine ibexes tend to form groups of other female ibexes along with their young ones while nurturing them and teaching them how to survive in the harsh mountainous terrain. It is seldom to observe more than one kid with a mother ibex. Show more
