The Ibex Nubian (Capra nubiana) is a tough, wild African goat that lives in scattered areas of northern and northeastern Africa, including Ethiopia and Egypt. It is a desert-dwelling goat, preferring the arid, mountainous terrain, and makes it home in areas where valleys, hills, and canyons are plentiful. Its status according to the IUCN is “vulnerable.”

The Ibex Nubian is more active during the day, spending most of the day either resting or grazing. It is an extremely supple species and can jump, leap, and even climb up steep mountainous areas. This, of course, works well in their favor when attempting to evade predators. They are very agile and able to leap up to 6 feet from a standing position.

The herbivorous Ibex Nubian is a social animal and lives in a herd of up to 20 members, but usually less than 10, with its diet including grass, leaves, shrubs, and sometimes even fruit. It often will rear up onto its hind legs to reach food and is especially fond of leaves from the Acacia tree.

One to three kids are born during March and April after a gestation period of 140-155 days. The kids start solid foods by 2-3 weeks and are fully weaned by 6-7 months. They will remain with the herd until approximately three years of age.

Apart from man on his safari hunting adventures, the Ibex Nubian is also prey for leopards, striped hyenas, gray wolves, and various birds of prey, such as eagles and vultures.

AT A GLANCE

Name:
Capra nubiana

Male Weight:
115-165 pounds

Male Shoulder Height:
26-30 inches

Gestation Period:
140-155 days

Life span:
9-10 years

Size and Appearance

During your African hunts, if you are unfamiliar with the Ibex Nubian, keep a lookout for a dark brown to yellowish brown goat with semi-circular horns. They have a dark beard under their chins, as well as a dark, erect mane down their backs. Their hooves have sharp edges that assist them in moving along the steep mountainous regions it inhabits. Males are much larger than their female counterparts, weighing in at around 115-165 pounds versus the average female whose maximum weight is around 87 pounds. Both males and females have horns.

Hunting Methods

The Ibex Nubian is a great example of a traditional walk-and-stalk hunt after glassing the area and successfully spotting your target.

Challenges and Rewards

The Ibex Nubian is known to be extremely agile, allowing it to easily evade predators as it jumps, hops and climbs its way to safety.

Rifles and Requirements

When on a hunt targeting the Ibex Nubia, consider 30 caliber rifles with a minimum bullet weight of 150 grain, or higher velocity rifles like the 7mm or 300 win-mag..