Location
The Pamir, Alai, Transalai and Tian Shan mountains in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and China.
Description
This subspecies can be the largest in size and grow the largest horns. Males can weigh as much as 285 pounds, or even more. Its coloration is very different from that of the Siberian and Gobi ibexes. In winter coat, most adult males are a cinnamon-brown color of varying intensity, becoming browner and duller on the flanks, shoulders and thighs. There usually is a dark, well-developed dorsal stripe, and also a light-colored saddle patch that can vary in size, shape and location. A very dark flank band separates the brown flanks from the whitish belly. There is a distinct brown band on the front surface of the forelegs, a lighter one on the hind legs. The head is lighter than the flanks-actually somewhat grayish-and the beard is brown. However, there is a good deal of individual variation in color and markings. Some animals are darker or lighter, and some are a uniform light gray color. The dorsal stripe may be wide, narrow, or absent entirely. The saddle patch may be light or dark, large or small, on the neck or shoulder instead of the small of the back, absent entirely, or there may be more than one patch.
Remarks
The introduction of the Mid-Asian Ibex-Pamir
After years of inquiries from our members and outfitters, hunting and outfitting ibex in Asia, we will now count the mid-Asian ibex (Capra sibirica alaiana), from multiple areas as separate entries. The addition will increase our total overall capra species recognized to 45, and will be listed as mid-Asian ibex-Pamir (Capra sibirica alaiana). A member in pursuit of any of GSCO Capra Milestones will now be able to count one mid-Asian ibex from Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan and one mid-Asian ibex-Pamir from Tajikistan. This is not a new species, but rather an opportunity for GSCO, through our milestones, to add value to all Capra species throughout Asia, and simultaneously give our members in pursuit of Capra species more hunting opportunities.
The mid-Asian in Kyrgyzstan, the Himalayan ibex in Pakistan, and the mid-Asian-Pamir ibex in Tajikistan each display slight morphological differences between one another which are mostly attributed to climate, elevation, and habitat. For example, the mid-Asian from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan have a much larger body than those of the Pamirs. Ibex from Tajikistan especially those in the Pamirs are considerably smaller in both body size as well as horn structure.
Although we recognize that ibex of lower elevations of Tajikistan may more closely resemble ibex from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan with less visible morphologic differences, until further studies can be done, we will classify all ibex from the entire country of Tajikistan as “Mid-Asian Pamir ibex”.
Note: If you have previously successfully hunted an ibex in both Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan/Kazakhstan please contact us so that we may update your Capra list.
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