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
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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Mouflon (Ovis gmelini)
Scale illustration of an average Mouflon compared to a human

The Mouflon (Ovis gmelini) is identified by its short-haired reddish to dark-brown coat. White patches can be seen on the lower part of the legs, underbelly, muzzle, inside the ears, and on their sides. Both males and females may have horns or be polled. You can find this wild sheep in the Caspian region where it is hunted only with a special license. Males are dominant and will fight to get mating rights with females. Another feature that differentiates males from females other than the large horns is the large coarse long hair visible on their chest. The mouflon eats mainly grass during the early hours of the day and evening.

Mouflons have a standing shoulder height between 32.7”-35.8” (83-91 cm), overall body length from 43.3”-57.1” (110-145 cm), standing height of roughly 38.6”-52” (98-132 cm), and a body width of 12.6”-16.5” (32-42 cm). The weight of a Mouflon is between 55-121 lb (25-55 kg). Mouflons have a typical lifespan of 8-12 years in the wild and 18-23 years in captivity.

Collection of scaled drawings of Mouflon in various poses
The Mouflon (Ovis gmelini) is identified by its short-haired reddish to dark-brown coat. White patches can be seen on the lower part of the legs, underbelly, muzzle, inside the ears, and on their sides. Both males and females may have horns or be polled.

Mouflons have a standing shoulder height between 32.7”-35.8” (83-91 cm), overall body length from 43.3”-57.1” (110-145 cm), standing height of roughly 38.6”-52” (98-132 cm), and a body width of 12.6”-16.5” (32-42 cm). The weight of a Mouflon is between 55-121 lb (25-55 kg). Mouflons have a typical lifespan of 8-12 years in the wild and 18-23 years in captivity.

Collection of scaled drawings of Mouflon in various poses
Mouflon (Ovis gmelini)
Height:
38.6”-52” | 98-132 cm
Width:
12.6”-16.5” | 32-42 cm
Length:
43.3”-57.1” | 110-145 cm
Depth:
Shoulder Height
32.7”-35.8” | 83-91 cm
Weight:
55-121 lb | 25-55 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Ovis gmelini
Lifespan
8-12 years (wild); 18-23 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Mouflon side elevation, front, back, lying down

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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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Himalayan Serow (Capricornis thar)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Himalayan Serow compared to an average person

The Himalayan Serow (Capricornis thar) is native to the Himalayan ecosystem. This is in the tropical rainforest, deciduous rainforest, and temperate forests. The most prominent feature of this animal is the body covered in three distinct colors. The back is black, the hindquarters and upper legs are rusty red, and the lower parts of the legs are white. The underparts and inner thighs can be lighter or creamy. It has a black tail and a long mane that is white and black. The ears are donkey-like and males have larger horns than females. It is primarily a browser.

Himalayan Serows have a standing shoulder height between 35.4”-39.4” (90-100 cm), overall body length from 55.1”-70.9” (140-180 cm), standing height of roughly 48.8”-63.8” (124-162 cm), and a body width of 13.4”-17.3” (34-44 cm). The weight of a Himalayan Serow is between 187-309 lb (85-140 kg). Himalayan Serows have a typical lifespan of 19-22 years.

Set of standing side and front elevation drawings of the Himalayan Serow
The Himalayan Serow (Capricornis thar) is native to the Himalayan ecosystem. This is in the tropical rainforest, deciduous rainforest, and temperate forests. The most prominent feature of this animal is the body covered in three distinct colors.

Himalayan Serows have a standing shoulder height between 35.4”-39.4” (90-100 cm), overall body length from 55.1”-70.9” (140-180 cm), standing height of roughly 48.8”-63.8” (124-162 cm), and a body width of 13.4”-17.3” (34-44 cm). The weight of a Himalayan Serow is between 187-309 lb (85-140 kg). Himalayan Serows have a typical lifespan of 19-22 years.

Set of standing side and front elevation drawings of the Himalayan Serow
Himalayan Serow (Capricornis thar)
Height:
48.8”-63.8” | 124-162 cm
Width:
13.4”-17.3” | 34-44 cm
Length:
55.1”-70.9” | 140-180 cm
Depth:
Shoulder Height
35.4”-39.4” | 90-100 cm
Weight:
187-309 lb | 85-140 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Capricornis thar
Lifespan
19-22 years

Drawings include:

Himalayan Serow side elevation, front, lying down

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Domestic Goat (Capra hircus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Domestic Goat to a typical person

The Domestic Goat (Capra hircus) is the most widespread goat in existence today. It usually exists with humans and can survive everywhere except in the arctic or desert environment. It is thought to have come from Central Asia and is highly valued for its milk, meat, and fur. In almost all breeds, males are larger than females, grow horns and beards, and produce an odor. The hair of the domestic goat can be straight or wooly and black, brown, white, blended shades, or even spotted. The domestic goat has a short upward curved tail and is extremely social. It eats mainly grass and scrubs and communicates using the five senses.

Domestic Goats have a standing shoulder height between 16.1”-23.6” (41-60 cm), overall body length from 26.8”-39.4” (68-100 cm), standing height of roughly 20.1”-29.1” (51-74 cm), and a body width of 5.5”-8.3” (14-21 cm). The weight of a Domestic Goat is between 121-220 lb (55-100 kg). Domestic Goats have a typical lifespan of 12-18 years.

Series of side and front elevation illustrations of the Domestic Goat
The Domestic Goat (Capra hircus) is the most widespread goat in existence today. It usually exists with humans and can survive everywhere except in the arctic or desert environment. It is thought to have come from Central Asia and is highly valued for its milk, meat, and fur.

Domestic Goats have a standing shoulder height between 16.1”-23.6” (41-60 cm), overall body length from 26.8”-39.4” (68-100 cm), standing height of roughly 20.1”-29.1” (51-74 cm), and a body width of 5.5”-8.3” (14-21 cm). The weight of a Domestic Goat is between 121-220 lb (55-100 kg). Domestic Goats have a typical lifespan of 12-18 years.

Series of side and front elevation illustrations of the Domestic Goat
Domestic Goat (Capra hircus)
Height:
20.1”-29.1” | 51-74 cm
Width:
5.5”-8.3” | 14-21 cm
Length:
26.8”-39.4” | 68-100 cm
Depth:
Shoulder Height
16.1”-23.6” | 41-60 cm
Weight:
121-220 lb | 55-100 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Capra hircus
Lifespan
12-18 years

Drawings include:

Domestic Goat side elevation, front, back, lying down

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