Pyrenean ibex
Pyrenean Ibex (Capra pyrenaica pyrenaica )
The Pyrenean ibex (Capra pyrenaica pyrenaica ) is an extinct subspecies of Iberiensteinbocks.
Features
The subspecies of Iberiensteinbocks outwardly differing only in color and horn shape. The Pyrenean ibex is mainly characterized by the places dark coat color of the males and their comparatively strong horns. These features, however, are highly variable, which is why the subspecies status has sometimes been questioned even within individual populations. Genetic analyzes show that the Pyrenean ibex from other forms of Iberiensteinbocks significantly different.
Dissemination
The Pyrenean Ibex was one of the original four subspecies of Iberiensteinbocks. This subspecies was once widespread in the Pyrenees within the countries France, Andorra and Spain. The last animals lived in the national park Ordesa y Monte Perdido in Maladeta Massif.
Habitat and food
His diet consisted of lichens, grasses and herbs, which he in mountainous terrain, its habitat, found.
Extinction and cloning
During the 19th century, the Pyrenean ibex was hunted heavily, and the population declined steadily. The final reason of extinction is still unknown. Researchers are usually made of an infectious disease or infertility.
Already in 1918 the Pyrenees ibex was placed under protection. However, the stocks did not recover and counted until the 1980s no more than 40 animals. As stocks fell even further, eventually they decided to catch the last animals. At this time, however, there were only three old females and no male animal alive. Attempts to breed the animals with males of other species failed due to the age of the females. The last surviving animal was taken in 1999, a cell sample to clone it. The specimen died in 2000, making the subspecies was extinct. With the help of a cell sample Pyrenean ibex Fawn was cloned in 2009. This was the first animal cloned from an extinct subspecies. The young ibex died but after a few minutes, making the subspecies extinct again.