The Lonely Goats of the Caucasus
High-Stakes Heights
The West Caucasian tur (Capra caucasica) is an agile mountain goat known for its impressive curved horns and nimble climbing skills. They graze on the sparse vegetation of the Caucasus Mountains, where only about 50 remain. Once thriving, their population plummeted due to illegal hunting and habitat loss. Apparently, humans can’t resist a good pair of horns for their mantlepiece.
Mountain Majesty
These goats play a critical role in preventing overgrowth in their mountainous habitats. Without them, the landscape would look like an unkempt backyard. Saving these creatures means maintaining the ecological balance in the Caucasus. Let’s appreciate them in their natural habitat rather than as decorative items.
