Israel, Negev Desert - Spotting Ibex in the Negev Highlands

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Taking advantage of the weekend and a break from work during my current business trip in Israel, I visited the Negev Desert yesterday. It was my first ever visit to a desert anywhere in the world.

And I was not disappointed. Our traveling party spotted several wild Nubian Ibex (Capra nubiana) during our short visit. One of these gentle animals in particular, approached within meters from us. But it has apparently grown use to the presence of humans as it showed no fear while it lingered, granting us ample time for photography.

I must have taken as many as 90 photographs of this beautiful animal before it decided to move on into its desert home. A befitting experience for a first time visitor to a desert!

Author's Note: There are 4 sub-populations of the Nubian Ibex in Israel. These are located in the Judean Desert, the Negev Highlands (Desert), the Eilat Mountain and the Golan Heights. The Nubian Ibex numbers only between 200-300 individuals in the Negev Desert. Overall, the total number of all 4 sub-populations of this animal in Israel is around 1000 individuals. This low number means this endangered animal needs to be protected to prevent further drop in its population. 

Nubian Ibex (Capra nubiana), Mitzpe Ramon, Negev Desert, Israel (2017)

Nubian Ibex (Capra nubiana), Mitzpe Ramon, Negev Desert, Israel (2017)

Nubian Ibex (Capra nubiana), Mitzpe Ramon, Negev Desert, Israel (2017)

Montage of photographs of the Nubian Ibex (Capra nubiana), Mitzpe Ramon, Negev Desert, Israel (2017)


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