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| Subspecies: | Unknown |
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| Est. World Population: | 4500 |
| CITES Status: | NOT LISTED |
| IUCN Status: | Vulnerable |
| U.S. ESA Status: | NOT LISTED |
| Body Length: | |
| Tail Length: | |
| Shoulder Height: | |
| Weight: | |
| Top Speed: | |
| Jumping Ability: | (Horizontal) |
| Life Span: | in the Wild |
| Life Span: | in Captivity |
| Sexual Maturity: | (Females) |
| Sexual Maturity: | (Males) |
| Litter Size: | |
| Gestation Period: | |
Habitat:
Nubian Ibex occur in rocky, desert mountains with steep slopes and hills (which provide vital escape routes), and associated plateaus, canyons and wadis. They consume a wide array of herbaceous and woody plants (Alkon et al. 2008).
Range:
Nubian Ibex occur in Egypt east of the Nile, Israel, western Jordan, central Saudi Arabia, central and southern Oman and in eastern and central Yemen. Its status in Sudan, northern Ethiopia and Eritrea is currently unknown, it has been extirpated from Syria but is currently being reintroduced into Lebanon.
In Egypt Nubian Ibex exist as small isolated populations in the Eastern Desert / Red Sea Mountains located west of the Nile, and in the South Sinai in the mountains of the Sinai Peninsula (Attum et al. 2008, ElAlqamy et al. 2010). Ibex have never been seen west of the Nile but have been reported from the Moattum/Qattamiya Hills, Gabal Attaqa, El Galala El Bahariya Plateau, and El Galala El Quiblia Plateau (Alkon 2013).
South of the border with Sudan the current status of Nubian Ibex is unknown, the most recent records come from hunting reports in the Red Sea Hills both north and south of Port Sudan (Damm and Franco 2014). During a survey conducted in 1990 the species was also found in Erkawit, Jebel Ashat and Sherik Jebel (Alkon et al. 2008).
The status of Nubian Ibex in Eritrea is uncertain as there have been no records for over 20 years; they were previously recorded near the Sudan border (Hillman and Yohannes 1997). Similarly, there have been no records from Ethiopia within the last 20 years; the most recent, but unconfirmed, sighting being located near the Djibouti border (Hillman et al. 1997).
In Israel, its former range is believed to approximate the present natural distribution of ibex, although populations were probably smaller prior to the 1960s (Alkon et al. 2008). The Nubian Ibex is concentrated in two large population clusters in the Judean Desert and the Negev Desert Highlands. These populations are connected by natural corridors along cliffs (Shkey and Saltz 2000). Two smaller populations exist in the Eilat Mountains and the Golan Heights. The Golan population is the result of a reintroduction undertaken some 50-years ago.
In Jordan, Nubian Ibex currently occur in Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve Wadi Mujib and Dana Biosphere reserves, and in Wadi Rum, (Qarqaz and Baker 2006).
Based on records provided in Harrison (1968), Nubian Ibex was previously found in Syria in the Jabal ash-Sharqi mountain ranges north of Dimasq which run southwest-northeast, as far as Halab (Aleppo) and to just south of Tadmur (Palmyra), presumably in the Jabal al Khunayzir. There are no recent records of the species in Syria, apart from the re-introduced population in the Golan Heights.
In Lebanon, ibex were previously found in Barouk, the Ammiq mountains and on Mount Harmon, northern Lebanon until the early 1900s (Serhal 1997). Although they were extirpated, a new conservation initiative will soon reintroduce the species to Shouf Biosphere Reserve (Shouf Biosphere Reserve 2018).
Nubian Ibex have been reported in the western Hajar Mountains of northern Oman (Harrison and Bates 1991), and there are local reports and rock paintings depicting Nubian Ibex in the central Hajar Mountain region. However, as there is only one official sighting from this region it is possible they never occurred in the Hajars and its historical presence requires further evidence. Currently, Nubian Ibex is patchily distributed along the Huqf escarpment and Janaba Hills in the Central Desert of Oman, and in the Mountains of Dhofar from north of Jabal Samhan to the border with Yemen. They may also be present in Ras Madrakah.
Little information is available on the Nubian Ibex in Yemen. It is known to be found in the mountains which join with the Dhofar mountains of Oman (Khorozyan et al. 2014). It is also still found in the cliffs surrounding the Hadramawt Plateau in the east (Al Said Pers. Comm.; Shackleton 1997). It was formally common in Ras Fartak in Southeastern Yemen and may still occur there (Al Jumaily 1998).
Nubian Ibex historically occurred in rugged and mountainous terrain across Saudi Arabia but now only occur in Hawtat bani Tamim Ibex Reserve in Central Saudi Arabia (Barichievy et al. 2018).
In Egypt Nubian Ibex exist as small isolated populations in the Eastern Desert / Red Sea Mountains located west of the Nile, and in the South Sinai in the mountains of the Sinai Peninsula (Attum et al. 2008, ElAlqamy et al. 2010). Ibex have never been seen west of the Nile but have been reported from the Moattum/Qattamiya Hills, Gabal Attaqa, El Galala El Bahariya Plateau, and El Galala El Quiblia Plateau (Alkon 2013).
South of the border with Sudan the current status of Nubian Ibex is unknown, the most recent records come from hunting reports in the Red Sea Hills both north and south of Port Sudan (Damm and Franco 2014). During a survey conducted in 1990 the species was also found in Erkawit, Jebel Ashat and Sherik Jebel (Alkon et al. 2008).
The status of Nubian Ibex in Eritrea is uncertain as there have been no records for over 20 years; they were previously recorded near the Sudan border (Hillman and Yohannes 1997). Similarly, there have been no records from Ethiopia within the last 20 years; the most recent, but unconfirmed, sighting being located near the Djibouti border (Hillman et al. 1997).
In Israel, its former range is believed to approximate the present natural distribution of ibex, although populations were probably smaller prior to the 1960s (Alkon et al. 2008). The Nubian Ibex is concentrated in two large population clusters in the Judean Desert and the Negev Desert Highlands. These populations are connected by natural corridors along cliffs (Shkey and Saltz 2000). Two smaller populations exist in the Eilat Mountains and the Golan Heights. The Golan population is the result of a reintroduction undertaken some 50-years ago.
In Jordan, Nubian Ibex currently occur in Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve Wadi Mujib and Dana Biosphere reserves, and in Wadi Rum, (Qarqaz and Baker 2006).
Based on records provided in Harrison (1968), Nubian Ibex was previously found in Syria in the Jabal ash-Sharqi mountain ranges north of Dimasq which run southwest-northeast, as far as Halab (Aleppo) and to just south of Tadmur (Palmyra), presumably in the Jabal al Khunayzir. There are no recent records of the species in Syria, apart from the re-introduced population in the Golan Heights.
In Lebanon, ibex were previously found in Barouk, the Ammiq mountains and on Mount Harmon, northern Lebanon until the early 1900s (Serhal 1997). Although they were extirpated, a new conservation initiative will soon reintroduce the species to Shouf Biosphere Reserve (Shouf Biosphere Reserve 2018).
Nubian Ibex have been reported in the western Hajar Mountains of northern Oman (Harrison and Bates 1991), and there are local reports and rock paintings depicting Nubian Ibex in the central Hajar Mountain region. However, as there is only one official sighting from this region it is possible they never occurred in the Hajars and its historical presence requires further evidence. Currently, Nubian Ibex is patchily distributed along the Huqf escarpment and Janaba Hills in the Central Desert of Oman, and in the Mountains of Dhofar from north of Jabal Samhan to the border with Yemen. They may also be present in Ras Madrakah.
Little information is available on the Nubian Ibex in Yemen. It is known to be found in the mountains which join with the Dhofar mountains of Oman (Khorozyan et al. 2014). It is also still found in the cliffs surrounding the Hadramawt Plateau in the east (Al Said Pers. Comm.; Shackleton 1997). It was formally common in Ras Fartak in Southeastern Yemen and may still occur there (Al Jumaily 1998).
Nubian Ibex historically occurred in rugged and mountainous terrain across Saudi Arabia but now only occur in Hawtat bani Tamim Ibex Reserve in Central Saudi Arabia (Barichievy et al. 2018).
Conservation:
Egypt
The Nubian Ibex is protected by Agricultural Law No. 53/l 966 and amendment 1012 July 1992. Hunting of this species is totally forbidden, as mentioned in article 117 of the Agricultural Law. The two main protected areas containing core habitat and significant populations of Nubian Ibex in Egypt are St. Katherine Protected Area in South Sinai and Wadi El Gimal Protected Area in the Southern Red Sea Mountains. Some recommended conservation actions for Egypt include: (1) maintenance of Nubian Ibex corridors in south Sinai (ElAlqamy et al. 2010), 2) National Parks of Egypt Ranger patrols and enforcement at water points in the Southern Red Sea Mountains. (3) Establishing a camera trap monitoring program in the Nubian Ibex range in Egypt.
Sudan
Since January 1992 Nubian Ibex have been included as a Schedule II species under the Wildlife Conservation Act; which allows hunting with a special hunting permit (Nimir 1997). Nubian Ibex were formally known to occur in three protected areas along the Red Sea coast: in the Erkawit and Sinkat Sanctuaries, and in the Tokar Game Reserve and in the far north on the border with Egypt (Alkon et al. 2008). The status and distribution of the species needs to be confirmed to enable conservation actions to be prioritized.
Eritrea
The status of Nubian Ibex in Eritrea is unknown, basic distributional data is needed, though the population is small at best. Nubian Ibex were known to be common in The Yob Wildlife Reserve but were never recorded in the Nakfa and Gash-Setit Wildlife Reserves (Hillman and Yohannes 1997). Basic survey information is required for Eritrea to understand the status of ibex.
Ethiopia
The status of Nubian Ibex in Ethiopia is unknown, basic distributional data is needed, though the population is small at best.
Israel
The Israel Nature Reserve Authority designates the species as “Vulnerable” within their principal arid-zone range, and as “Rare” in Mediterranean parts of the country (i.e., Golan Heights). In Israel, it is fully protected, and the law is effectively enforced. At least 80% of ibex range is within 15 officially or designated protected areas, most of which are administered by the Nature and Parks Authority. Designated Nature Reserves await formal establishment but are effectively managed as Nature Reserves. Most established Nature Reserves had tenures of various durations as “designated” reserves prior to their final establishment. Recent and current management involves annual, autumn 1-day ground surveys of ibex in all major ranges (except Golan). Research programs on the species and protection of populations and habitats are well established in Israel. Up to the present, conservation measures have emphasized the protection of ibex populations and their habitats and monitoring the species’ status. Past IUCN red-list accounts recommended that population dynamics, population genetics, habitat requirements and human disturbance be considered. These issues are currently being addressed (Goodman et al. 2017, Saltz et al. 2019), demographic and genetic research is ongoing with outputs expected in the near future (Freiman 2019; Halevi 2019; and Tichon PhD in progress). Past recommendations of augmenting available water resources have been implemented in a number of areas.
Jordan
Until 1978, the Nubian Ibex was legally hunted in Jordan, but since then it has received full protection and a total ban on hunting this species was put into effect indefinitely (Alkon et al. 2008). Jordan successfully reinforced populations of Nubian Ibex in Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve in 1998 (RSCN 2015). Ibex occur in three protected areas: Wadi Mujib Wildlife Reserve (212 km²), which includes the escarpment area of the Rift valley desert and extends as far as the Dead sea to 400 m below sea level; Dana Wildlife Reserve protecting 150 km² in the Rift valley mountains; and Wadi Rum Reserve extending over 570 km² of the precipitous rocky outcrops of the Rum mountains in southern Jordan (Alkon et al. 2008, RSCN 2015). Some limited camera trap monitoring is ongoing in Jordan (RSCN 2015).
Lebanon
The ibex was extirpated from Lebanon over 100 years ago. A re-introduction program has recently been implemented in the country where ibex have been moved from Jordan to a fenced area in Chouf District of Lebanon. In phase two Nubian Ibex will be released into Shouf Biosphere Reserve, which spans 550km2 (Shouf Biosphere Reserve 2018).
Syria
There are no conservation actions occurring in Syria where Nubian Ibex have been extirpated.
Oman
Ibex are fully protected by law (Ministry of Diwan Affairs, Ministerial Decision No. 4 1976) throughout the country, but actual protection has not been adequate to prevent the decline of the species by poaching. This is partly due to inaccessible and isolated habitats where Nubian ibex occur. Nubian Ibex occur in two protected areas, Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve in Dhofar and Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve in the central desert. Poaching is still common inside protected areas and the use of protected areas by livestock is widespread. Research is currently ongoing in Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve in order to understand critical habitat needs and prioritize ranger patrols for ibex protection (Ross and Al Said, unpublished data). Previous research was conducted in Al Wusta in the 1990s and 2000s (e.g. Massolo et al. 2008).
Saudi Arabia
Nubian Ibex are legally protected by a hunting by-law passed in 1979. Considering the decline due to illegal hunting of the Saudi population, this law has not been effectively enforced. In Saudi Arabia, ibex now occur in only one protected area, in the Ibex Reserve in Hawtat bani Tamim in the east-central region (Barichievy et al. 2018). Saudi Arabia has large areas of suitable habitat for Nubian Ibex and new conservation plans for wildlife restoration are currently in development. As part of the new program Nubian Ibex have recently been reintroduced into Sharaan Natural Reserve, located in Al Ula. Press reports suggest Nubian Ibex will be reintroduced in other areas (e.g. Panthera 2019).
Yemen
Due to unrest and the current situation in Yemen it is not clear if conservation actions are taking place. However, evidence suggests there is some community level management of ibex populations, which are used to protect the species as a hunted resource (Al Said, Pers. Comm.).
The Nubian Ibex has seen large declines and the majority of populations are at a high risk of extirpation, conservation issues are similar across its range. Conservation actions that may help reduce threats include:
The Nubian Ibex is protected by Agricultural Law No. 53/l 966 and amendment 1012 July 1992. Hunting of this species is totally forbidden, as mentioned in article 117 of the Agricultural Law. The two main protected areas containing core habitat and significant populations of Nubian Ibex in Egypt are St. Katherine Protected Area in South Sinai and Wadi El Gimal Protected Area in the Southern Red Sea Mountains. Some recommended conservation actions for Egypt include: (1) maintenance of Nubian Ibex corridors in south Sinai (ElAlqamy et al. 2010), 2) National Parks of Egypt Ranger patrols and enforcement at water points in the Southern Red Sea Mountains. (3) Establishing a camera trap monitoring program in the Nubian Ibex range in Egypt.
Sudan
Since January 1992 Nubian Ibex have been included as a Schedule II species under the Wildlife Conservation Act; which allows hunting with a special hunting permit (Nimir 1997). Nubian Ibex were formally known to occur in three protected areas along the Red Sea coast: in the Erkawit and Sinkat Sanctuaries, and in the Tokar Game Reserve and in the far north on the border with Egypt (Alkon et al. 2008). The status and distribution of the species needs to be confirmed to enable conservation actions to be prioritized.
Eritrea
The status of Nubian Ibex in Eritrea is unknown, basic distributional data is needed, though the population is small at best. Nubian Ibex were known to be common in The Yob Wildlife Reserve but were never recorded in the Nakfa and Gash-Setit Wildlife Reserves (Hillman and Yohannes 1997). Basic survey information is required for Eritrea to understand the status of ibex.
Ethiopia
The status of Nubian Ibex in Ethiopia is unknown, basic distributional data is needed, though the population is small at best.
Israel
The Israel Nature Reserve Authority designates the species as “Vulnerable” within their principal arid-zone range, and as “Rare” in Mediterranean parts of the country (i.e., Golan Heights). In Israel, it is fully protected, and the law is effectively enforced. At least 80% of ibex range is within 15 officially or designated protected areas, most of which are administered by the Nature and Parks Authority. Designated Nature Reserves await formal establishment but are effectively managed as Nature Reserves. Most established Nature Reserves had tenures of various durations as “designated” reserves prior to their final establishment. Recent and current management involves annual, autumn 1-day ground surveys of ibex in all major ranges (except Golan). Research programs on the species and protection of populations and habitats are well established in Israel. Up to the present, conservation measures have emphasized the protection of ibex populations and their habitats and monitoring the species’ status. Past IUCN red-list accounts recommended that population dynamics, population genetics, habitat requirements and human disturbance be considered. These issues are currently being addressed (Goodman et al. 2017, Saltz et al. 2019), demographic and genetic research is ongoing with outputs expected in the near future (Freiman 2019; Halevi 2019; and Tichon PhD in progress). Past recommendations of augmenting available water resources have been implemented in a number of areas.
Jordan
Until 1978, the Nubian Ibex was legally hunted in Jordan, but since then it has received full protection and a total ban on hunting this species was put into effect indefinitely (Alkon et al. 2008). Jordan successfully reinforced populations of Nubian Ibex in Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve in 1998 (RSCN 2015). Ibex occur in three protected areas: Wadi Mujib Wildlife Reserve (212 km²), which includes the escarpment area of the Rift valley desert and extends as far as the Dead sea to 400 m below sea level; Dana Wildlife Reserve protecting 150 km² in the Rift valley mountains; and Wadi Rum Reserve extending over 570 km² of the precipitous rocky outcrops of the Rum mountains in southern Jordan (Alkon et al. 2008, RSCN 2015). Some limited camera trap monitoring is ongoing in Jordan (RSCN 2015).
Lebanon
The ibex was extirpated from Lebanon over 100 years ago. A re-introduction program has recently been implemented in the country where ibex have been moved from Jordan to a fenced area in Chouf District of Lebanon. In phase two Nubian Ibex will be released into Shouf Biosphere Reserve, which spans 550km2 (Shouf Biosphere Reserve 2018).
Syria
There are no conservation actions occurring in Syria where Nubian Ibex have been extirpated.
Oman
Ibex are fully protected by law (Ministry of Diwan Affairs, Ministerial Decision No. 4 1976) throughout the country, but actual protection has not been adequate to prevent the decline of the species by poaching. This is partly due to inaccessible and isolated habitats where Nubian ibex occur. Nubian Ibex occur in two protected areas, Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve in Dhofar and Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve in the central desert. Poaching is still common inside protected areas and the use of protected areas by livestock is widespread. Research is currently ongoing in Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve in order to understand critical habitat needs and prioritize ranger patrols for ibex protection (Ross and Al Said, unpublished data). Previous research was conducted in Al Wusta in the 1990s and 2000s (e.g. Massolo et al. 2008).
Saudi Arabia
Nubian Ibex are legally protected by a hunting by-law passed in 1979. Considering the decline due to illegal hunting of the Saudi population, this law has not been effectively enforced. In Saudi Arabia, ibex now occur in only one protected area, in the Ibex Reserve in Hawtat bani Tamim in the east-central region (Barichievy et al. 2018). Saudi Arabia has large areas of suitable habitat for Nubian Ibex and new conservation plans for wildlife restoration are currently in development. As part of the new program Nubian Ibex have recently been reintroduced into Sharaan Natural Reserve, located in Al Ula. Press reports suggest Nubian Ibex will be reintroduced in other areas (e.g. Panthera 2019).
Yemen
Due to unrest and the current situation in Yemen it is not clear if conservation actions are taking place. However, evidence suggests there is some community level management of ibex populations, which are used to protect the species as a hunted resource (Al Said, Pers. Comm.).
The Nubian Ibex has seen large declines and the majority of populations are at a high risk of extirpation, conservation issues are similar across its range. Conservation actions that may help reduce threats include:
- Improved poaching control using rangers.
- Implementation of legal measures to enable prosecution of poachers when apprehended.
- Control or exclusion of domestic livestock from protected areas to minimize their impact on Nubian Ibex and other wildlife species.
- Collection of basic distribution data to support status review and prioritization of conservation programs.
- Initiation of population monitoring using camera trapping or other reliable means of survey.
- Initiation of country-wide conservation goals in terms of Nubian ibex.
- Initiate a discussion on the valuation and opportunities to national and local economies surrounding the conservation of Nubian Ibex.
- Engage with local peoples to understand how to reduce local off-take and impacts to a sustainable level.
- Seek to reintroduce and reinforce Nubian Ibex populations where needed following the control of threats.
- Initiate sustainable tourism projects within Nubian Ibex protected areas with the objective of increasing the value of Nubian Ibex to tourism and local economies. Improving local education and awareness of the Nubian Ibex and its value through experiential learning.
- Considering the species current dire status it is important to initiate population monitoring and continue monitoring in countries where monitoring has been initiated (Israel, Oman).
- Basic distributional data is required for the Nubian Ibex in Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Yemen, Egypt and southern Oman. Distributional datasets could benefit from collaboration within and between countries. Using predictive modeling methods would fill gaps in our understanding in terms of habitat suitability and areas of high conservation value.
- Better studied populations such as those in Israel have capacity to focus on the metapopulation dynamics, impacts of environmental stochasticity, especially drought years, and assessing survival and the impacts of the various sources of anthropogenic-related mortality. In addition, more research is needed on the behavioral impacts of anthropogenic presence which can drive landscape-independent fragmentation due to behavioral divergence (Berger-Tal and Saltz 2019).