Beceite Ibex
Beceite Ibex
Identification
With a strong and robust complexion, it has a greyish brown coat colour that changes during the year. Adult males rarely turn pitch black in winter, unlike other ibex subspecies. There are two well differentiated horn morphologies, one which describes a perfect lire shape and the other one which has a wide spread, similar to the wings of an airplane commonly known as “palmeros”. The beard, a bigger body and a darker colour is the main difference between males and females.
Hunting
As with any other mountain species, Spanish Ibex requires lots of walking and stalking. At dawn it is quite common to find the ibexes in the lower parts of the mountains, so it is important to walk very carefully trying not to spook them. Once spotted, we will make a plan in order to get close and get a clear shot on the oldest billy, making sure it has reached its maximum growth.
Habitat
This ibex subspecies it typical from the areas of Tortosa – Beceite and its foothill hunting areas with a predominant Mediterranean ecosystem where different species of pine tree (pinea, nigra and silvestris) and herbaceous plants are abundant. Ibexes will normally be found in territories of deep valleys combined with crops in the lower areas.
Habits
The Spanish Ibex has mainly diurnal habits and it is characterized by its incredible sense of smell and hearing, as well as an amazing ability to climb the steepest mountains. As a gregarious species, they form large groups composed of both males and females and although they do not migrate it is very common to see them covering big extensions of terrain. As a proper goat, they are capable of feeding on any kind of vegetable and organic material such as grass, lichens, bark and green buds. The mating season takes place between November and January, when it is very common to see males fighting and there is a good chance of harvesting an old individual.
Distribution
Aragón and Comunidad Valenciana.
Season October – May
Recommended Calibre 270 Winchester
CIC Medal Bronze: 205 points; Silver: 220 points; Gold: 230 points
SCI Medal Bronze: 69 points; 75 5/8 points; 80 1/8 points