Tengrinews.kz - Wildlife inspectors in Altyn-Emel National Park captured a striking moment during a spring count of Siberian mountain goats (Siberian ibex) last week.
The count took place on April 17, 2025, covering the mountainous areas of Sholak, Degeres, and Matai. Monitoring of the park’s wildlife is carried out not only during seasonal surveys but also year-round using camera traps. This approach allows researchers to track migration patterns, population numbers, and animal behavior without disturbing the animals with human presence.
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Using a drone, national park staff managed to film a small herd of mountain goats skillfully scaling a steep cliff face. The powerful and graceful animals moved in perfect synchrony, and the footage had a distinctly cinematic quality.
The Siberian mountain goat is considered one of the symbols of Altyn-Emel. It can often be seen on the slopes and ridges of the park, especially during the warmer months. In spring, as nature awakens, the animals become particularly active.
Kazakhstan is home to two subspecies of Siberian mountain goats: the Central Asian and the Altai. The animals grow to around 150 centimeters in length and can weigh up to 130 kilograms. Males have distinctive horns that can reach up to 1.5 meters in length, with prominent transverse ridges. Their diet includes grasses, shoots, leaves, and the needles of shrubs and trees.
Previously, footage of Siberian mountain goats and wild boars captured in the Ile-Alatau National Park was shared online.