Alpine Ibex

Images of ibex (Capra ibex) appear in Neolithic cave paintings throughout central Europe. It was hunted almost to extinction until, in 1922, there was a single population left in Italy. Protection, conservation measures and reintroduction to other areas have led to a recovery and there are now about 2000 in the French Vanoise National Park alone. Alpine ibex are nimble and the young can jump and run after just one day. They live on or near the snowline, moving up the mountain in summer before breeding in the autumn. Males develop huge necks and chests and will fight predators such as wolves, lynxes, bears and jackals.