Why does the Ibex climb the dam?

Why does the Ibex climb the dam?

More videos on YouTube It is at this spot that wild alpine ibex (mountain goats) are often seen scaling the near-vertical walls of the dam in order to reach the deposits of mineral salts from the stones. This mineral salt is a necessary part of their nutrition.

Where do the Ibex climb the dam?

The Cingino Dam in northern Italy, not far from the Swiss border, is one place where you can observe the Alpine Ibex’s gravity-defying stunts—but it’s not the only place.

Why do goats lick dams?

The answer is simple: Salt. Park officials have stated that the goats are walking out onto the dam to lick salt and minerals off the dam’s stones.

What is ibex known for?

An ibex (plural ibex, ibexes or ibices) is any of several species of wild goat (genus Capra), distinguished by the male’s large recurved horns, which are transversely ridged in front. Ibex are found in Eurasia, North Africa and East Africa.

How steep can ibex climb?

They used to climb on zigzag routes and run down on more linear tracks. The gaits employed by the animals were walk and gallop. The steepest paths travelled by kids were 155% up and 157% down, the maximum height was 49 m, while their maximum estimated speeds were 2.6 ms-1 uphill and -4.2 ms-1 downhill.

How can ibex climb so well?

Ibex are very nimble. They can jump more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) straight up without a running start. This helps them climb mountainous terrain with ease. Ibex hooves have sharp edges and concave undersides that act like suction cups to help them grip the sides of steep, rocky cliffs.

Why do ibex climb walls?

The reason why Ibex climb dams is rather easy: they are looking for salt. The Ibex’s herbivorous diet is lacking in salt, especially calcium salts. Farmers provide salt for almost all herbivore livestock but in the wild animals have to find salts by themselves.

Where does ibex live?

ibex, any of several sure-footed, sturdy wild goats of the genus Capra in the family Bovidae (order Artiodactyla) that are found in the mountains of Europe, Asia, and northeastern Africa. The European, or Alpine, ibex (C. ibex ibex) is typical.