West Caucasian Tur
Scientific name: Capra caucasica
Habitat: rugged mountain country, alpine forests and meadows
Diet: grasses and browse
Life span: average 10-12 years
Young: 1 young, occasionally 2
Size: 65-100 kg (143-220 lbs)
The West Caucasian tur is a mountain dwelling member of the goat family. They live in herds that change seasonally. Females/young form their own groups on the lower mountain slopes during the summer and autumn while males migrate to the higher elevations. Males and females come together during the mating season in November and stay together until the spring.
Both males and females have curved horns; the males' horns are larger and more ridged.
Tur are excellent jumpers and climbers and they use this ability to escape predators. They will travel as far as 20 km/day in search of food. Natural predators are wolves and lynx. The meat, hides, and wool are important to indigenous peoples. Trophy hunting and habitat loss have resulted in a severe decline in the population.
Learn more about this species:
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West Caucasian tur on Animal Diversity Web
For More Information
Edmonton Valley Zoo
13315 Buena Vista Road (87th Avenue)
PO Box 2359
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2R7
| attractions@edmonton.ca |
Range
Range: Caucasian Mountains
Status in the Wild
Status: endangered
