Characteristics

It shows a marked sexual dimorphism:

Male: maximum weight 90 kg. Shoulder height 90 cm. It is distinguished by its massive horns, which can measure up to 90 cm, and weigh 1 kg per horn, which has been a key factor in determining the animal’s structure and gait.

Female: maximum weight around 40 kg. Shoulder height 65 cm. Its horn length does not exceed 25 cm.

The hooves of both sexes are even-toed, designed to provide flexibility and greater control when the hoof grips the ground. The toes have a soft, elastic sole that grips surfaces perfectly, forming a sort of suction cup, making it easier to move and grip in the rugged or steep terrains that constitute its natural habitat.

Its coat is short in summer and greyish-brown in colour while in winter the coat is long with patches of black on the back. Depending on the subspecies, the colours of the different layers vary, being a mix of black, grey and dun. Its body is strong and robust.

Both males and females have horns, although the females´ are much smaller. The males´ horns are large, ridged and ringed. These horns curve up, out and backwards in the shape of a scimitar, with the tips curling inwards. The horns grow in proportion to age, with one ring per year.