Special Features
- During the winter the Tahr has a dense reddish to dark brown wooly coat with a thick undercoat to keep it warm.
- Males have a long shaggy mane around their neck and partly down their legs. They fluff their manes to threaten opponents and to attract females. The hair is shed in the spring.
- Hooves have a rubbery, flexible core with a hard, sharp rim that helps them grip the rocks.
- They go down the mountains early morning and mid-afternoon to eat and climb back up to rest and ruminate during the day away from their predators.
- Male horns are up to 18 inches long. Females are smaller.
Behavior
When challenged, males will lock horns and throw each other off balance. Live in herds of 15-80 animals.
Old males are solitary.
Are very wary and difficult to observe.
Breeding & Care of Young
Sexual maturity at 2-3 years. Gestation is 7 months. Usually a single birth but occasionally twins. In rut October to January. Weaned at 6 months.
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