Alpine Ibex: The Mystery of the Goats That Climb Almost Vertical Cliffs

If you think climbing vertical cliffs is impossible, watch as the Alpine Ibex do it with ease! These herbivores have proven their ability to scale nearly vertical cliffs, providing us with an interesting lesson in resilience and survival skills.

Alpine Ibex: Master Climbers

The Alpine Ibex, a species of mountain goat that lives in the high altitudes of the European Alps, is known for its ability to climb steep and dangerous cliffs. They use their hooves as grippers to grip slippery rock surfaces. Their agility and dexterity help them avoid predators while finding food and essential minerals.

Cingino Dam: The Attractive Destination of Mountain Ibex

Recently, the Cingino Dam in Piedmont, Italy, has become a tourist attraction not only because of its beautiful scenery but also thanks to impressive videos of herds of Alpine Ibex climbing the vertical cliffs. These images and videos have made the global online community admire, with the goats seemingly “floating” in the air as they climb the 50-meter-high cliff with a nearly 90-degree incline.

Alpine Ibex Survival Secrets

In the spring and summer, Alpine Ibex often seek places with grass and coniferous trees to eat. As winter approaches, they have to store fat and seek shelter in the Alps to avoid the harsh cold. But what makes them climb the dangerous cliffs? It is the need for salt and minerals. Due to the lack of salt in their daily diet, they have to seek out the precious salt sources that the dam cliffs provide.

Superior Mountain Climbing Skills

Alpine Ibex are considered master mountain climbers. They possess rubbery pads and cloven hooves that provide excellent balance, allowing them to scale nearly vertical cliffs without difficulty. However, not all animals display this agility; females and calves are usually the main members appearing on the dam cliffs, while males rarely make the climb due to their large body mass and bulky horns.

Conservation Efforts and a Bright Future

In the 19th century, overhunting severely reduced the Alpine Ibex population. However, thanks to conservation efforts and the establishment of Gran Paradiso National Park, the mountain goats have recovered. Today, around 50,000 Alpine Ibex live in the Alps, proving the success of conservation programs.

The Alpine Ibex are not only an interesting animal, but also a testament to the strength and resilience of nature. Their ability to scale steep cliffs makes them true master climbers. If you have never witnessed these feats, be sure to check out these Alpine Ibex videos to experience their magic!