Activity Patterns and Habitat Use of Ibex in the Himalaya Mountains of India

Abstract

Studies of Asiatic ibexes (Capra ibex sibirica) were conducted in the Himalaya Mountains of India during winter and summer 1985–1986, with activity data collected during November–December. Ibexes were observed in Ladakh at elevations of 4,000–4,800 m, on slopes averaging 31°, and predominantly within 50 m of rugged terrain or cliffs. Groups (median size = 11; range, 1–40) primarily were comprised of both sexes during summer and winter, although more males were in all-male groups during summer. Ibexes fed farther from cliffs than they bedded, and fed in larger groups the farther from cliffs; differences probably associated with avoidance of prédation. During early winter, peaks in daily activity occurred near sunrise and sunset. Population and habitat-use characteristics of ibex appear to be related to site-specific prédation pressure, winter snowpack, forage availability, and human activities.