ALPINE IBEX - CAPRA IBEX

Ref #:  LM42-001

Description:  Alpine Ibex Right Mandible (Capra ibex)

Period:  Pleistocene 200,000 - 20,000 years ago

Provenance:  Cave Deposit - Carpathian Mountains, Romania

Measurements:  18.8 cm long

Comments:  All teeth present and original.  Based on the odd and clean broken opening at the bend in the jaw, it is quite possible that this specimen was the remain of a hunted kill by primitive man.  Bones such as wild boar, ibex, etc. have been found in caves as a result of primitive human habitation.  The majority of these bones are always broken to get to the highly-prized marrow.  This break appears too clean to have been caused by natural causes and an opposing tooth impression is lacking on the other side suggesting animal predation.  Most interesting is the location of the hole.  This single opening would have been the most advantageous location to extract all marrow from the jaw!

The Capra ibex is a wild mountain goat that thrived during the Ice Age in Europe.  It is one of the most famous animals depicted on numerous cave drawings and paintings.  No doubt, with its exotic and impressive horn display and unmatched skill in climbing rocky terrain, it was a revered and respected beast by primitive man.  

This animal possessed very large curved horns with pronounced ridges running across the full length of these horns.  They were stout beasts with short legs and hoofed feet that were especially designed for irregular terrain.  These creatures are alive today in limited regions and are called the Alpine Ibex.  They thrive in the most extreme and hazardous environments, consisting of arctic-like temperatures and seemingly impossible to navigate rocky mountain faces.  Even today, very little is known about these animals because their habitat is practically unreachable by scientists for study.  Aside from their magnificent horns, their hooves are uniquely designed to maintain a sure footing on rock.  

Capra ibex live in herds from 7 to 30 individuals with some males living alone.  They are diurnal animals meaning they are active during the day, with their most active periods being early morning and late afternoon.  Their height at the shoulders range from 2.3 to 3.1 feet.  Body weights range from 88 to 264 pounds.  Horn lengths have been measured up to 40 inches.  Life spans run from 10 to 14 years.

The Capra ibex has an uncanny ability to negotiate the most dangerous rock cliffs and ledges with seemingly careless abandon.