Caprinae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goat antelopes |
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| Barbary sheep, Ammotragus lervia | |
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Caprinae (say: Kap-RY-nay) is a group of amazing animals that includes goats, sheep, and other creatures often called "goat-antelopes." They are all part of the Bovidae family, which also includes cattle and antelopes. These animals are known for their strong bodies, often with horns, and their ability to live in tough places like mountains.
The animals in this group are also called caprids. You might know some of them very well, like the domestic sheep and the domestic goat.
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Meet the Caprids: Goats, Sheep, and More!
The Caprinae family is full of interesting animals. They are all mammals that have hooves and eat plants. Many of them live in rocky, mountainous areas. Here are some of the cool animals you can find in this group:
Goats and Sheep
- Goats (Genus Capra): This group includes the Wild goat, which is the ancestor of our domestic goats. You can also find amazing climbers like the Alpine ibex and the Markhor, known for its spiral horns.
- Sheep (Genus Ovis): This group includes the domestic sheep. Wild sheep, like the Bharal (also called the blue sheep), are strong and live in high mountains.
- Barbary Sheep (Ammotragus lervia): These sheep have shaggy hair on their necks and legs. They are very good at climbing rocky cliffs.
Mountain Dwellers
Many caprids are built for life in the mountains. Their strong legs and special hooves help them climb steep slopes.
- Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus): These animals are famous for their pure white coats and incredible climbing skills. They live in the rocky mountains of North America.
- Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra): Found in European mountains, chamois are fast and agile. They have short, hooked horns.
- Gorals (Genus Naemorhedus): These are small, goat-like animals that live in the mountains of Asia. They are very shy and hard to spot.
- Tahr (Genus Hemitragus, Nilgiritragus, Arabitragus): Tahrs are wild goats with shaggy coats. They live in different parts of Asia, like the Himalayan tahr in the Himalayas.
Unique Caprids
Some caprids are quite unique and stand out from the rest.
- Musk Ox (Ovibos moschatus): These large, shaggy animals live in the Arctic. They have thick fur to protect them from the cold. When threatened, they form a circle to protect their young.
- Takin (Budorcas taxicolor): Found in the eastern Himalayas, takins are large and muscular. They look a bit like a mix between a goat and a cow.
- Tibetan Antelope or Chiru (Pantholops hodgsonii): This antelope lives on the high plains of Tibet. It has a very fine, warm wool.
Images for kids
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Skeleton of a Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) on display at the Museum of Osteology
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Palaeoreas lindermayeri fossil
See also
In Spanish: Caprinos para niños
