Capra aegagrus
Rare and Endangered Animals of Armenia
The Wild Goat
The Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus) is a common type of goat. Wild Goats are terrestrial species found in Europe, Central Asia, Asia Minor, and the Middle East.
In the wild, goats live in flocks of 5-20 goats; males are solitary. Male goats go through a period called a rut, where they ready to mate. During the rut old males drive younger males from the maternal herds. The gestation period averages 170 days. Does usually give birth to one calf. Calves can follow the mother goat almost immediately after birth. Calves are weaned after 6 months. Female goats reach sexual maturity at 1.5-2.5 years, males at 3.5-4 years. The lifespan of a goat can from 12 to 22 years.
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Animal in Armenia
Բեզոարյան այծ ("Bezoaryan ayts")
Status
Rare species. The number has tendency to decrease. Included in the Red Book of the former USSR.
Habitat in Armenia
Can be met in the area between the valley of River Azat and Meghri region. Geghama and Vardenis mountains make up the northern border of the natural habitat.
Number in the wild
For the last decades the number has decreased in Armenia. The number in the Armenian part of the natural habitat has not exceeded 700.
Reasons for decrease in number
Intensive use of mountainous regions for economic and agricultural purposes. Environmental changes.
Number in captivity
6 species are kept in Yerevan zoo. 4 are kept in the Institute of Applied Zoology.
Measures of protection taken
Hunting is forbidden. Part of the natural habitat included in Khosrov Nature Reserve.