About Altai Mountain Goat, Altai Mountain Goat is a large, furry goat with snow-white fur. It feeds on the grasses of the Altai Mountains and is a popular tourist attraction in the area. It is a member of the Capra genus, so it is related to goats and has been known by several names, including the Altai mountain goat and alpine goat.
The Altai Mountain is found in the Altai mountain range on the south coast of Siberia. It exists in some high-altitude rocky areas above 2,700 meters. They are usually seen during summer with a population of around 8-10 individuals.
Appearance
The goats are about 1.4 meters tall with short tails and medium-sized bodies. They have snow-white hair and long slender legs. The males are larger than the females, but there is no significant difference in appearance between the sexes.
Characteristics
- Long and slim.
- Grey fur.
- White underbelly, white on the face, legs and tail, and black on the muzzle.
- Black horn in males.
- The males’ horns are 15 to 20 cm long, and the horns of females are quite smaller. There is little difference between male and female individuals in size. The horns can be curved forwards or backward.
Behavior
This species is generally not aggressive and will avoid human contact. It feeds on plants in spring and summer, but it feeds on mosses on the rocks and tree bark in winter.
Reproduction
The period of conception is around June, and the birth is in late May or early June, with no specific breeding season. The female gives birth to one kid at a time.
Origin
The Altai Mountain Goat originally inhabited the Sayan mountain range. It was distributed in the Altai, Sayan, and Barguzin ranges during the middle Pleistocene. During that period, the climate in Siberia was generally warmer and drier than it is now, so Altai Mountain Goat lived at a higher elevation than it does now.
Uses
The bones of the Altai Mountain Goat were among the first to be excavated in Siberia. The species was discovered during the 19th century, so there was a great interest in collecting samples of this animal and other wildlife. Scientists still use museum collections today to learn more about this species and its relatives.
Quick Fact About Altai Mountain Goat
| Breed name | Altai Mountain Goat |
| Scientific name | Capra sibirica |
| Common name | Altai Mountain Goat |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Bovidae |
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Size | Large (32 to 79 in) |
| Weight | 176.28 to 369.58 lb |
| Status | Least Concerned |
Farming Benefits Of Altai Mountain Goat
1. Meat
The meat of the Altai Mountain Goat is similar to that of the domestic goat but has a wild flavor. It is often used in Russia for sausage making, but for those who prefer their meat roasted and served with a sauce, the Altai Mountain Goat should be marinated and grilled.
2. Hide
The goat’s hide is used primarily as leather for clothing and accessories as it is soft and durable. It has been used for a long time in Russia for boots and coats, but it is also now used for gloves and hats.
3. Horn
The goat horns are made from several layers of bone and are durable. They have traditionally been incorporated into knife handles, headpieces, and furniture handles in Russia. They have also been made into decorative objects carved with various patterns.
4. Milk
The Altai Mountain Goat produces soft, rich, and very nutritious milk. It can be drunk fresh or preserved for later use. The milk has a yogurt-like consistency and is used as an ingredient in various food products. The milk can also be used to make cheese and ice cream.
5. Medicinal Benefits
The Altai Mountain Goat’s horn grounds are thought to have medicinal properties and have been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat coughs, cough syrup, colds, fever, wounds, and headaches.
6. Scientific Benefits
The Altai Mountain Goat’s inner ear is a powerful natural magnet. It has been used to study magnetic fields and even dropped into volcanoes to help determine their structure and composition.
7. Wool
The wool of the Altai Mountain Goat is among the softest of any wild goat and is generally finer than the domestic goat’s. It is extremely warm, durable, lightweight, and water resistant and can be made into a high-quality fabric from which luxurious clothing can be made.
8. Ticks
The Altai Mountain Goat is an excellent host for ticks, especially the brown dog tick Amblyomma cajennense. It is the only animal known to keep this primarily parasitic organism in its body and prevent new ticks from entering.
9. Dog food
Raw goat meat and bones can help keep dogs healthy as it contains high levels of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals that help support their bones, teeth, skin, and immune system. Goat meat is a great source of protein, vitamins A and C, and B12, as well as iron.
10. Hay
Goat hair is the second worst natural fiber for making paper in terms of energy usage. However, it is the best fiber for making very high-quality paper. Because of its softness and durability, goat hair fiber can be used to make wood pulp paper. This fiber can also be used for strong rope, shingles, tent poles, and more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Altai Mountain Goat plays an important role in its native habitat and its domesticated home in Russia. It is a large herbivore; its meat and milk are important for many humans and are used in various products.
It has certain medicinal properties, and its wool is used in papermaking. These activities benefit the wild Altai Mountain Goat and the people who live in Russia. Thank you for reading this article. I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you for reading this article.
