Caprids | Caprinae

Caprids | Caprinae

Description
Description

Caprids, or members of the Caprinae subfamily, encompass various species including goats, sheep, ibexes, and chamois. Adapted to a range of habitats, from mountainous regions to grasslands, they are known for their agility on rugged terrain. These herbivores are characterized by their cloven hooves and, in many species, their prominent horns, which can be curved or spiraled and are used for defense and mating displays. Domestication of goats and sheep began around 10,000 years ago, profoundly impacting human agriculture and civilization. Caprids have evolved over millions of years, with a fossil record tracing back to the early Miocene epoch, showcasing a rich diversity and adaptability.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Caprids, including goats and sheep, boast a robust build with sturdy legs ending in cloven hooves, ideal for navigating steep, rocky terrains. Their most notable feature is their horns, which vary in shape and size across species, used for defense and mating rituals. Caprids have a four-chambered stomach, allowing them to digest tough cellulose from plants efficiently. They are agile movers, with some species capable of impressive leaps and climbs. Vocalizations differ among species, from the familiar bleat of a goat to more subtle communication sounds. Their keen senses, particularly vision and hearing, are crucial for detecting predators and navigating their often precipitous habitats.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Humans have interacted with caprids, notably goats and sheep, for thousands of years. These animals were among the first to be domesticated for their meat, milk, and wool, playing a significant role in the development of agriculture and, consequently, human civilization. In pop culture, goats and sheep often symbolize playfulness and gentleness, appearing in children's stories, cartoons, and as zodiac signs.

While domesticated caprids are widespread, many wild species face threats from habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts aim to protect these wild populations through habitat conservation, sustainable management, and breeding programs to ensure the survival and genetic diversity of these remarkable animals.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What is the difference between Bovine and Caprinae sub-families?

Bovines are medium-to-large-size ungulates while caprines are medium-sized bovids. Caprines or goat-antelope include sheep and goats, while bovines include cattle, African buffalo, water buffalo, and bison. The gigantic size of bovids makes them good working animals, as caprines are only kept for their milk, meat, and skin.

What are male and female sheep called?

Sheep are highly social animals that love to aggregate in groups. Males also known as rams have thicker and longer horns than those of females or ewes which can be seen with the young or lamb. For those sheep that live in the wild, like the rocky mountain bighorn sheep, male, female, and young males live in separate herds.

Why do goats faint when scared?

Fainting in goats comes from a hereditary condition, called myotonia congenita, which causes their muscles to stiffen when startled. Fortunately, this seizure only affects their muscles and not their nerves or the cardiovascular system. Besides, not all goats faint. It is only the Tennessee fainting goat that has this condition.

Animals

* Under Development *

36.6”-45.7” | 93-116 cm
11.4”-14.2” | 29-36 cm
43.3”-53.1” | 110-135 cm
55-132 lb | 25-60 kg
14-22 years
Alpine Chamois
116.000
36.000
135.000
60.000
22.00
1350
GUIDE
3D
Alpine Chamois
36.2”-52” | 92-132 cm
13”-18.1” | 33-46 cm
47.2”-66.9” | 120-170 cm
88-265 lb | 40-120 kg
10-21 years
Alpine Ibex
132.000
46.000
170.000
120.000
21.00
9600
GUIDE
3D
Alpine Ibex
Argali
12300
49.6”-72.8” | 126-185 cm
16.1”-22.4” | 41-57 cm
53.1”-78.7” | 135-200 cm
132-408 lb | 60-185 kg
7-13 years (wild); 10-17 years (captivity)
Argali
185.000
57.000
200.000
185.000
17.00
12300
GUIDE
3D
Argali
36.2”-46.1” | 92-117 cm
11.8”-15.75” | 30-40 cm
51.2”-65” | 130-165 cm
88-309 lb | 40-140 kg
10-20 years
Barbary Sheep
117.000
40.000
165.000
140.000
20.00
5600
GUIDE
3D
Barbary Sheep
Bharal
7050
42.1”-60.2” | 107-153 cm
11.4”-18.1” | 29-46 cm
45.3”-65” | 115-165 cm
77-165 lb | 35-75 kg
12-21 years
Bharal
153.000
46.000
165.000
75.000
21.00
7050
GUIDE
3D
Bharal
46.5”-65.4” | 118-166 cm
13.8”-19.3” | 35-49 cm
51.2”-72.8” | 130-185 cm
110-315 lb | 50-143 kg
10-21 years
Bighorn Sheep
166.000
49.000
185.000
143.000
21.00
35700
GUIDE
3D
Bighorn Sheep
26.8”-36.2” | 68-92 cm
10.2”-14.2” | 26-36 cm
35.4”-47.2” | 90-120 cm
49-93 lb | 22-42 kg
10-22 years
Chinese Goral
92.000
36.000
120.000
42.000
22.00
155
GUIDE
3D
Chinese Goral
44.1”-61” | 112-155 cm
16.1”-23.2” | 41-59 cm
51.2”-70.9” | 130-180 cm
123-220 lb | 56-100 kg
14-19 years
Dall Sheep
155.000
59.000
180.000
100.000
19.00
14090
GUIDE
3D
Dall Sheep
20.1”-29.1” | 51-74 cm
5.5”-8.3” | 14-21 cm
26.8”-39.4” | 68-100 cm
121-220 lb | 55-100 kg
12-18 years
Domestic Goat
74.000
21.000
100.000
100.000
18.00
3200
GUIDE
3D
Domestic Goat
37”-54.3” | 94-138 cm
17.3”-26” | 44-66 cm
47.2”-70.9” | 120-180 cm
99-287 lb | 45-130 kg
10-12 years (captivity)
Domestic Sheep
138.000
66.000
180.000
130.000
12.00
4400
GUIDE
3D
Domestic Sheep
48.8”-63.8” | 124-162 cm
13.4”-17.3” | 34-44 cm
55.1”-70.9” | 140-180 cm
187-309 lb | 85-140 kg
19-22 years
Himalayan Serow
162.000
44.000
180.000
140.000
22.00
4920
GUIDE
3D
Himalayan Serow
28.3”-44.9” | 72-114 cm
12.2”-18.9” | 31-48 cm
35.4”-55.1” | 90-140 cm
121-198 lb | 55-90 kg
12-22 years
Himalayan Tahr
114.000
48.000
140.000
90.000
22.00
6550
GUIDE
3D
Himalayan Tahr
35.4”-50.4” | 90-128 cm
11.4”-17.7” | 29-45 cm
47.2”-66.9” | 120-170 cm
77-176 lb | 35-80 kg
12-20 years
Iberian Ibex
128.000
45.000
170.000
80.000
20.00
2500
GUIDE
3D
Iberian Ibex
25.6”-41.3” | 65-105 cm
10.2”-17.7” | 26-45 cm
31.5”-51.2” | 80-130 cm
66-99 lb | 30-45 kg
20-25 years
Japanese Serow
105.000
45.000
130.000
45.000
25.00
2800
GUIDE
3D
Japanese Serow
Markhor
68900
44.9”-65” | 114-165 cm
15.4”-20.9” | 39-53 cm
52”-73.2” | 132-186 cm
77-243 lb | 35-110 kg
12-13 years
Markhor
165.000
53.000
186.000
110.000
13.00
68900
GUIDE
3D
Markhor
Mouflon
27070
38.6”-52” | 98-132 cm
12.6”-16.5” | 32-42 cm
43.3”-57.1” | 110-145 cm
55-121 lb | 25-55 kg
8-12 years (wild); 18-23 years (captivity)
Mouflon
132.000
42.000
145.000
55.000
23.00
27070
GUIDE
3D
Mouflon
39”-50” | 99-127 cm
16.5”-20.9” | 42-53 cm
55.1”-70.9” | 140-180 cm
132-265 lb | 60-120 kg
10-21 years
Mountain Goat
127.000
53.000
180.000
120.000
21.00
87350
GUIDE
3D
Mountain Goat
Muskox
36450
52.4”-64.2” | 133-163 cm
25.2”-33.5” | 64-85 cm
74.8”-96.5” | 190-245 cm
397-838 lb | 180-380 kg
12-22 years
Muskox
163.000
85.000
245.000
380.000
22.00
36450
GUIDE
3D
Muskox
26.4”-40.9” | 67-104 cm
9.4”-14.6” | 24-37 cm
35.4”-55.1” | 90-140 cm
110-220 lb | 50-100 kg
9-17 years
Nilgiri Tahr
104.000
37.000
140.000
100.000
17.00
19030
GUIDE
3D
Nilgiri Tahr
38.6”-55.5” | 98-141 cm
14.2”-20.9” | 36-53 cm
49.2”-70.9” | 125-180 cm
73-231 lb | 33-105 kg
9-24 years
Snow Sheep
141.000
53.000
180.000
105.000
24.00
1000
GUIDE
3D
Snow Sheep
Takin
31250
44.1”-57.1” | 112-145 cm
16.5”-22” | 42-56 cm
66.9”-86.6” | 170-220 cm
529-772 lb | 240-350 kg
12-22 years
Takin
145.000
56.000
220.000
350.000
22.00
31250
GUIDE
3D
Takin
37.4”-41.3” | 95-105 cm
12.6”-14.2” | 32-36 cm
47.2”-51.2” | 120-130 cm
55-86 lb | 25-39 kg
8-10 years
Tibetan Antelope
105.000
36.000
130.000
39.000
10.00
5950
GUIDE
3D
Tibetan Antelope
Urial
12200
42.1”-56.7” | 107-144 cm
13”-17.7” | 33-45 cm
47.2”-63” | 120-160 cm
110-198 lb | 50-90 kg
8-20 years
Urial
144.000
45.000
160.000
90.000
20.00
12200
GUIDE
3D
Urial
35.4”-47.6” | 90-121 cm
10.6”-15.4” | 27-39 cm
47.2”-65” | 120-165 cm
121-220 lb | 55-100 kg
10-19 years
West Caucasian Tur
121.000
39.000
165.000
100.000
19.00
700
GUIDE
3D
West Caucasian Tur
Urial (Ovis vignei)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Urial compared to an average person

Central and South East Asia are the ideal environments to find the Urial (Ovis vignei). These areas need to be arid, grassy terrain, or partly wooded. Some communities call it the shapo or arkars. Both sexes have horns but those of males are large, curling outwards and turning behind the head. The body is lean and the legs long. During winter the coat is brown but lighter in summer. White rump patches can be seen at the back of the hindquarters and the base of their short tail. Urials also have black and white saddle patches. The animals are gregarious, forming herds of females, lambs, and juveniles. Males are polygamous.

Urials have a standing shoulder height between 31.5”-43.3” (80-110 cm), overall body length from 47.2”-63” (120-160 cm), standing height of roughly 42.1”-56.7” (107-144 cm), and a body width of 13”-17.7” (33-45 cm). The weight of a Urial is between 110-198 lb (50-90 kg). Urials have a typical lifespan of 8-20 years.

Set of standing side and front elevation drawings of the Urial
Central and South East Asia are the ideal environments to find the Urial (Ovis vignei). These areas need to be arid, grassy terrain, or partly wooded. Some communities call it the shapo or arkars. Both sexes have horns but those of males are large, curling outwards and turning behind the head.

Urials have a standing shoulder height between 31.5”-43.3” (80-110 cm), overall body length from 47.2”-63” (120-160 cm), standing height of roughly 42.1”-56.7” (107-144 cm), and a body width of 13”-17.7” (33-45 cm). The weight of a Urial is between 110-198 lb (50-90 kg). Urials have a typical lifespan of 8-20 years.

Set of standing side and front elevation drawings of the Urial
Urial (Ovis vignei)
Height:
42.1”-56.7” | 107-144 cm
Width:
13”-17.7” | 33-45 cm
Length:
47.2”-63” | 120-160 cm
Depth:
Shoulder Height
31.5”-43.3” | 80-110 cm
Weight:
110-198 lb | 50-90 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Ovis vignei
Lifespan
8-20 years

Drawings include:

Urial side elevation, front, back, lying down

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Domestic Sheep (Ovis aries)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Domestic Sheep compared to an average person

The origins of the Domestic Sheep (Ovis aries) can be traced to Central Asia or the Middle East. Currently, it is found and kept by human beings in many habitats. Among the many breeds of domestic sheep, males are usually larger than females. The sheep may have a large fat tail composed of fat reserves. Its snout is narrow and cleft vertical. It also has glands from which it produced its characteristic odor. The coat color can be milky white, black, or dark brown. Domestic sheep love to flock and have a herding instinct where one sheep leads and starts a behavior imitated by many. It can feed on grass, hay, or even oats.

Domestic Sheep have a standing shoulder height between 31.5”-47.2” (80-120 cm), overall body length from 47.2”-70.9” (120-180 cm), standing height of roughly 37”-54.3” (94-138 cm), and a body width of 17.3”-26” (44-66 cm). The weight of a Domestic Sheep is between 99-287 lb (45-130 kg). Domestic Sheep have a typical lifespan of 10-12 years in captivity.

Set of standing side and front elevation drawings of the Domestic Sheep
The origins of the Domestic Sheep (Ovis aries) can be traced to Central Asia or the Middle East. Currently, it is found and kept by human beings in many habitats. Among the many breeds of domestic sheep, males are usually larger than females. The sheep may have a large fat tail composed of fat.

Domestic Sheep have a standing shoulder height between 31.5”-47.2” (80-120 cm), overall body length from 47.2”-70.9” (120-180 cm), standing height of roughly 37”-54.3” (94-138 cm), and a body width of 17.3”-26” (44-66 cm). The weight of a Domestic Sheep is between 99-287 lb (45-130 kg). Domestic Sheep have a typical lifespan of 10-12 years in captivity.

Set of standing side and front elevation drawings of the Domestic Sheep
Domestic Sheep (Ovis aries)
Height:
37”-54.3” | 94-138 cm
Width:
17.3”-26” | 44-66 cm
Length:
47.2”-70.9” | 120-180 cm
Depth:
Shoulder Height
31.5”-47.2” | 80-120 cm
Weight:
99-287 lb | 45-130 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Ovis aries
Lifespan
10-12 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Domestic Sheep side elevation, front, back, lying down

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Muskox (Ovibos moschatus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Muskox to a typical person

The Muskox (Ovibos moschatus) gets its name from the powerful odor emitted mostly by males. Apart from the odor, it is also noted for its long thick shaggy coat covering the entire body, leaving only the lips and nostrils. This hooved animal is native to the arctic. It has a barrel-shaped body held firmly by strong short legs and males and females have long, curved horns and small tails. Their dark brown or black coats have a light-colored patch or cream on the saddle while the legs are white. The muskox is social and vocal, with males being polygamous and dominating a harem. It feeds on shrubs, herbs, and leafy vegetables.

Muskoxen have a standing shoulder height between 49.2”-59.8” (125-152 cm), overall body length from 74.8”-96.5” (190-245 cm), standing height of roughly 52.4”-64.2” (133-163 cm), and a body width of 25.2”-33.5” (64-85 cm). The weight of a Muskoxe is between 397-838 lb (180-380 kg). Muskoxen have a typical lifespan of 12-22 years.

Series of side and front elevation illustrations of the Muskox
The Muskox (Ovibos moschatus) gets its name from the powerful odor emitted mostly by males. Apart from the odor, it is also noted for its long thick shaggy coat covering the entire body, leaving only the lips and nostrils. This hooved animal is native to the arctic. It has a barrel-shaped body.

Muskoxen have a standing shoulder height between 49.2”-59.8” (125-152 cm), overall body length from 74.8”-96.5” (190-245 cm), standing height of roughly 52.4”-64.2” (133-163 cm), and a body width of 25.2”-33.5” (64-85 cm). The weight of a Muskoxe is between 397-838 lb (180-380 kg). Muskoxen have a typical lifespan of 12-22 years.

Series of side and front elevation illustrations of the Muskox
Muskox (Ovibos moschatus)
Height:
52.4”-64.2” | 133-163 cm
Width:
25.2”-33.5” | 64-85 cm
Length:
74.8”-96.5” | 190-245 cm
Depth:
Shoulder Height
49.2”-59.8” | 125-152 cm
Weight:
397-838 lb | 180-380 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Ovibos moschatus
Lifespan
12-22 years

Drawings include:

Muskox side elevation, front, back, lying down

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Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Bighorn Sheep compared to an average person

The Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) gets its name from its large and heavy horns. It is native to the north of North America and found mostly in alpine meadows and grassy mountain slopes. Males are larger than females and have the most pronounced curved horns. The coat color can be light brown, grayish, or chocolate brown, but this fades during winter. White lining and rump can be seen at the back of the legs. Its skull is double-layered to help it absorb the impact of clashes. The bighorn sheep are gregarious, diurnal, and an excellent rock climber. Besides, it migrates as per seasonal changes and consumes mainly sedges, grasses, or forbes.

Bighorn Sheep have a standing shoulder height between 31.5”-39.4” (80-100 cm), overall body length from 51.2”-72.8” (130-185 cm), standing height of roughly 46.5”-65.4” (118-166 cm), and a body width of 13.8”-19.3” (35-49 cm). The weight of a Bighorn Sheep is between 110-315 lb (50-143 kg). Bighorn Sheep have a typical lifespan of 10-21 years.

Set of standing side and front elevation drawings of the Bighorn Sheep
The Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) gets its name from its large and heavy horns. It is native to the north of North America and found mostly in alpine meadows and grassy mountain slopes. Males are larger than females and have the most pronounced curved horns.

Bighorn Sheep have a standing shoulder height between 31.5”-39.4” (80-100 cm), overall body length from 51.2”-72.8” (130-185 cm), standing height of roughly 46.5”-65.4” (118-166 cm), and a body width of 13.8”-19.3” (35-49 cm). The weight of a Bighorn Sheep is between 110-315 lb (50-143 kg). Bighorn Sheep have a typical lifespan of 10-21 years.

Set of standing side and front elevation drawings of the Bighorn Sheep
Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis)
Height:
46.5”-65.4” | 118-166 cm
Width:
13.8”-19.3” | 35-49 cm
Length:
51.2”-72.8” | 130-185 cm
Depth:
Shoulder Height
31.5”-39.4” | 80-100 cm
Weight:
110-315 lb | 50-143 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Ovis canadensis
Lifespan
10-21 years

Drawings include:

Bighorn Sheep side elevation, front, back, lying down

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Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Tibetan Antelope compared to an average person

The Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) is a highly prized bovid found in the northeastern Tibetan plateau. Its soft, light fur is extremely valuable in weaving luxury shawls. It is also known as Chiru and prefers flat areas. It is only males that have long, straight horns and black stripes on the legs. The undercoat of the Tibetan antelope has short fibers, while the coat is thick, long, wooly, with guard hairs. This coat is reddish brown, although the belly is white, and the face is black. It is also gregarious, with males fighting to form harems during mating. The Tibetan antelope migrates as per seasonal changes and consumes grasses, sedges, and forbs.

Tibetan Antelopes have a standing shoulder height between 27.6”-33.5” (70-85 cm), overall body length from 47.2”-51.2” (120-130 cm), standing height of roughly 37.4”-41.3” (95-105 cm), and a body width of 12.6”-14.2” (32-36 cm). The weight of a Tibetan Antelope is between 55-86 lb (25-39 kg). Tibetan Antelopes have a typical lifespan of 8-10 years.

Set of standing side and front elevation drawings of the Tibetan Antelope
The Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) is a highly prized bovid found in the northeastern Tibetan plateau. Its soft, light fur is extremely valuable in weaving luxury shawls. It is also known as Chiru and prefers flat areas. It is only males that have long, straight horns and black stripes.

Tibetan Antelopes have a standing shoulder height between 27.6”-33.5” (70-85 cm), overall body length from 47.2”-51.2” (120-130 cm), standing height of roughly 37.4”-41.3” (95-105 cm), and a body width of 12.6”-14.2” (32-36 cm). The weight of a Tibetan Antelope is between 55-86 lb (25-39 kg). Tibetan Antelopes have a typical lifespan of 8-10 years.

Set of standing side and front elevation drawings of the Tibetan Antelope
Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii)
Height:
37.4”-41.3” | 95-105 cm
Width:
12.6”-14.2” | 32-36 cm
Length:
47.2”-51.2” | 120-130 cm
Depth:
Shoulder Height
27.6”-33.5” | 70-85 cm
Weight:
55-86 lb | 25-39 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Pantholops hodgsonii
Lifespan
8-10 years

Drawings include:

Tibetan Antelope side elevation, front, back, lying down

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