Mountain goat

_{<big><big>Big text</big>{{other uses}} {{Speciesbox | name = Mountain goat | status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1 | status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{Cite iucn | author = Festa-Bianchet, M. | title = ''Oreamnos americanus'' | volume = 2008 | page = e.T42680A10727959 | date = 2008 | doi = 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T42680A10727959.en }} Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of least concern.</ref> | image = Mountain Goat, Enchantments Basin.jpg | image_caption = Mountain goat in the [[Cascade Range|Cascades]] | taxon = Oreamnos americanus | authority = ([[Henri Marie Ducrotay de Blainville|Blainville]], 1816) | range_map = Oreamnos americanus distribution.svg | range_map_caption = }} The '''mountain goat''' (''Oreamnos americanus''), also known as the '''Rocky Mountain goat''', is a hoofed mammal [[endemic]] to [[North America]]. A [[subalpine]] to [[Alpine tundra|alpine]] species, it is a [[sure-footed]] climber commonly seen on cliffs and ice. Despite its vernacular name, it is not a member of ''[[Capra (genus)|Capra]]'', the genus that includes all other [[goat]]s, such as the [[wild goat]], ''Capra aegagrus'', from which the domestic goat is derived. == Classification and evolution == The mountain goat is an even-toed [[ungulate]] of the order [[Artiodactyla]] and the family [[Bovidae]] that includes [[antelope]]s, [[gazelle]]s, and [[cattle]]. It belongs to the subfamily [[Caprinae]], along with [[Capra (genus)|true goats]], [[Ovis|wild sheep]], the [[chamois]], the [[muskox]] and other species. Notably, the [[takin]]s of the [[Himalaya]]n region, while not a [[sister lineage]] of the mountain goat, are nonetheless very closely related and almost [[coeval]]; they and the mountain goat are a case of [[parallel evolution]] from an ancestral goat. Other members of this group are the ''[[Pseudois]]'' "blue sheep", the true goats and the [[Himalayan tahr]]. The chamois and true sheep lineages are also very closely related, while the muskox lineage is somewhat more distant. The mountain goats probably diverged from their relatives in the late [[Tortonian]], some 7.5 to 8 million years ago. Given that all major caprine lineages emerged in the [[Late Miocene]] and contain at least one but usually several species from the eastern Himalayan region, their most likely place of origin is between today's [[Tibet]] and [[Mongolia]] or nearby. The mountain goat's ancestors thus probably crossed the [[Bering Strait]] after they split from their relatives, presumably before the [[Wisconsinian glaciation]]. Unfortunately, no [[Pliocene]] mountain goats have been identified yet; the known [[fossil record]] is fairly recent, entirely from North America, and barely differs from the living animals. In the [[Pleistocene]], the small prehistoric mountain goat ''[[Oreamnos harringtoni]]'' lived in the southern Rocky Mountains. [[Ancient DNA]] studies suggest that this was the [[sister species]] of the living mountain goat, not its ancestor; consequently, the living species would also date back to the Pleistocene at least.<!-- see Campos et al 2010 & Bibi 2013 for more--> The mountain goat is the [[monotypic|only living species]] in the genus ''[[Oreamnos]]''. The name ''Oreamnos'' is derived from the Greek term ''oros'' (stem ''ore-'') "mountain" (or, alternatively, ''oreas'' "mountain nymph") and the word ''amnos'' "lamb". == General appearance and characteristics == [[File:Mountain Goat Mount Massive.JPG|thumb|right|Mountain goat on [[Mount Massive]], [[Colorado]], United States]] Both billy (male) and nanny (female)<ref>{{cite web|title=Goat Hunting in Alaska|url=http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=goathunting.billyid|website=alaska.gov|publisher=Alaska Department of Fish and Game|accessdate=13 December 2015}}</ref> mountain goats have beards, short tails, and long black horns, {{convert|15|–|28|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length, which contain yearly growth rings. They are protected from the elements by their woolly white double coats. The fine, dense wool of their undercoats is covered by an outer layer of longer, hollow hairs. Mountain goats molt in spring by rubbing against rocks and trees, with the adult billies shedding their extra wool first and the pregnant nannies shedding last. Their coats help them to withstand winter temperatures as low as {{Convert|-50|F}} and winds of up to {{Convert|160|km/h}}. [[File:Flickr - Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife - 023 mtn goat indian rock paustian odfw.jpg|thumbnail|upright|Close-up of head]] A billy stands about {{convert|1|m|ft|abbr=on}} at the shoulder to the waist and can weigh considerably more than the nanny (around 30% more in some cases). Male goats also have longer horns and longer beards than females. Mountain goats can weigh between {{convert|45|and|140|kg|abbr=on}}, and billies will often weigh less than {{convert|82|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. The head-and-body length can range from {{convert|120|-|179|cm|in|abbr=on}}, with a small tail adding {{convert|10|-|20|cm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref>[http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/mountain-goat.html Mountain Goat. Oreamnos americanus]. animals.nationalgeographic.com. Retrieved on: December 29, 2007.</ref><ref name= ADW>[http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Oreamnos_americanus.html Oreamnos americanus]. Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved on 2012-07-24.</ref><ref name="Burnie">Burnie D and Wilson DE (Eds.) (2005). ''Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World's Wildlife''. DK Adult {{ISBN|0-7894-7764-5}}</ref> The mountain goat's feet are well-suited for climbing steep, rocky slopes with pitches exceeding 60°, with inner pads that provide traction and [[Cloven-hoof|cloven hooves]] that can spread apart. The tips of their feet have sharp [[dewclaw]]s that keep them from slipping. They have powerful shoulder and neck muscles that help propel them up steep slopes.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Lewinson|first=Ryan T.|last2=Stefanyshyn|first2=Darren J.|title=A descriptive analysis of the climbing mechanics of a mountain goat ( Oreamnos americanus )|journal=Zoology|volume=119|issue=6|pages=541–546|doi=10.1016/j.zool.2016.06.001|pmid=27402383|year=2016}}</ref> == Range and habitat == The mountain goat inhabits the [[Rocky Mountains]] and [[Cascade Range]] and other mountain regions of the [[Western Cordillera (North America)|Western Cordillera]] of North America, from [[Washington (state)|Washington]], [[Idaho]] and [[Montana]] through [[British Columbia]] and [[Alberta]], into the southern [[Yukon]] and southeastern [[Alaska]]. Its northernmost range is said to be along the northern fringe of the [[Chugach Mountains]] in southcentral Alaska. Introduced populations can also be found in such areas as [[Idaho]], [[Wyoming]], [[Utah]], [[Nevada]], [[Oregon]], [[Colorado]], [[South Dakota]], and the [[Olympic Peninsula]] of Washington. Mountain goats are the largest mammals found in their high-altitude [[habitat]]s, which can exceed elevations of 13,000 feet (4,000 m). They sometimes descend to sea level in coastal areas although they are primarily an [[alpine climate|alpine]] and [[subalpine]] species. The animals usually stay above the [[tree line]] throughout the year but they will migrate seasonally to higher or lower elevations within that range. Winter migrations to low-elevation [[Salt lick|mineral licks]] often take them several kilometers through forested areas.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mountain Goats|url=http://www.nps.gov/noca/naturescience/mountain-goats.htm|work=North Cascades National Park Service Complex|publisher=National Park Service|accessdate=21 October 2010}}</ref> == Movement patterns == [[File:Oreamnos americanus 21073.JPG|thumb|In the [[Cascade Range]], [[Mount Rainier National Park]], near the southwestern limit of their distribution.]] Daily movements by individual mountain goats are primarily confined to areas on the same mountain face, drainage basin, or alpine opening. Daily movements reflect an individual's needs for foraging, resting, [[thermoregulation]] and security from predators or disturbance. Seasonal movements primarily reflect nutritional needs (e.g., movements to and from mineral licks/[[salt lick]]), reproductive needs (i.e., movement of pre-parturient females to "kidding" areas; movement to rutting areas), and climatic influences (i.e., movement to areas in response to foraging conditions). In general, seasonal movements are likely to exhibit a strong elevational component, whereby lower, forested elevations are used during the spring-summer (security cover effects) to access lower elevation mineral licks, and during winter (thermal cover effects) to access forage. The farthest movements are expected to be by dispersing mountain goats. Such movements are likely to involve mountain goats crossing forested valleys as they move between mountain blocks. == Diet == [[File:Mountain goat - artificial salt lick.jpg|thumb|upright|Young mountain goat licking handrail for salt]] Mountain goats are herbivores and spend most of their time grazing. Their diets include [[grass]]es, [[herb]]s, [[Cyperaceae|sedges]], [[fern]]s, [[moss]]es, [[lichen]]s, and twigs and leaves from the low-growing shrubs and [[conifer]]s of their high-altitude habitat. Mountain Goats are known to be very SEXY [[File:Mountain goat at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.jpg|thumbnail|A mountain goat grazing at [[Mount Rushmore]], [[South Dakota]]]] In captivity, the mountain goat's diet can also include grain, [[alfalfa]], fruits, vegetables and [[grass]]. == Lifecycle and mating == {{refimprove section|date=December 2013}} In the wild, mountain goats usually live 12 to 15 years, with their lifespans limited by the wearing down of their teeth. In zoos, however, they can live for 16 to 20 years. [[File:Mountain goat kid.jpg|thumb|Mountain goat kid at Cawridge, Alberta]] Mountain goats reach sexual maturity at about 30 months.<ref>D. Chadwick (1983). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=SMnXTHE5iWMC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false A Beast the Color of Winter – The Mountain Goat Observed]''. [[Sierra Club Books]]. San Francisco. 208 p.</ref> Nannies in a herd undergo synchronized [[estrus]] in late October through early December, at which time males and females participate in a mating ritual. Mature billies stare at nannies for long periods, dig rutting pits, and fight each other in showy (though occasionally dangerous) scuffles. Young billies sometimes try to participate, but they are ignored by nannies; nannies also sometimes pursue inattentive billies. Both males and females usually mate with multiple individuals during breeding season, although some billies try to keep other males away from certain nannies. After the breeding season is over, males and females move away from each other, with the adult billies breaking up into small bands of two or three individuals. Nannies form loose-knit nursery groups of up to 50 animals. [[File:Wherever you go I will go.JPG|thumb|right|Mountain goat with kid in [[Glacier National Park (U.S.)|Glacier National Park]]]] Kids are born in the spring (late May or early June) after a six-month gestation period. Nannies give birth, usually to a single offspring, after moving to an isolated ledge;'' post partum'', they lick the kid dry and ingest the [[placenta]]. Kids weigh a little over {{Convert|3|kg}} at birth and begin to run and climb (or attempt to do so) within hours. Although they are mostly weaned within one month, kids follow their mothers closely for the first year of life (or until the nanny gives birth again, if this does not occur the next breeding season); nannies protect their young by leading them out of danger, standing over them when faced by predators, and positioning themselves below their kids on steep slopes to stop freefalls. == Aggressive behavior == Nannies can be very competitive and protective of their space and food sources. They fight with one another for dominance in conflicts that can ultimately include all the nannies in the herd. In these battles, nannies circle each other with their heads lowered, displaying their horns. As with fights between billies during breeding season, these conflicts can occasionally lead to injury or death, but are usually harmless. To avoid fighting, an animal may show a posture of nonaggression by stretching low to the ground. In regions below the tree line, nannies use their fighting abilities to protect themselves and their offspring from predators. Predators, including [[Gray wolf|wolves]], [[wolverine]]s, [[lynx]]es, and [[bear]]s, attack goats of most ages given the opportunity. The [[cougar]] is perhaps the primary predator, being powerful enough to overwhelm the largest adults and uniquely nimble enough to navigate the rocky ecosystem of the goats. Though their size protects them from most potential predators in higher altitudes, nannies must sometimes defend their young from [[golden eagle]]s,<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Hamel|first1=Sandra|last2=Côté|first2=Steeve D.|title=Maternal defensive behavior of mountain goats against predation by Golden Eagles|journal=Western North American Naturalist|date=2009|volume=69|issue=1|pages=115–118|url=http://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/wnan/vol69/iss1/13|language=en|issn=1527-0904|doi=10.3398/064.069.0103}}</ref> which can be a predatory threat to kids.<ref name= ADW /> Nannies have even been observed trying to dominate the more passive, but often heavier [[bighorn sheep]] that share some of their territory. Mountain goats can occasionally be aggressive towards humans, with at least one reported fatality resulting from an attack by a mountain goat.<ref>[http://www.seattlepi.com/local/428578_hiker17.html Hiker killed by mountain goat in Olympic Nat'l. Park]. seattlepi.com (2010-10-16). Retrieved on 2011-09-15.</ref> == Wool == {{further|Salish weaving#Mountain goat's wool}} Although mountain goats have never been [[domestication|domesticated]] and [[commercialization|commercialized]] for their [[wool]], [[pre-Columbian]] [[indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast]] did incorporate their wool into their [[Chilkat weaving|weaving]] by collecting spring [[Moulting|moulted]] wool left by wild goats.<ref>[http://www.env.gov.yk.ca/wildlifebiodiversity/mammals/goat.php#people Mountain Goat]</ref> == References == {{Reflist}} == Further reading == * A. W. F. Banfield (1974). ''The Mammals of Canada''. University of Toronto Press. {{ISBN|0-8020-2137-9}} * M. Festa-Bianchet and S.D. Côté (2008). "Mountain Goats: Ecology, Behaviour and Conservation of an Alpine Ungulate". Island Press. {{ISBN|978-1-59726-170-8}}. 265 p. == External links == {{Commons|Oreamnos americanus|mountain goat}} *Loyal J. Johnson (1994) [http://www.adfg.state.ak.us/pubs/notebook/biggame/mtn_goat.php Alaska Department of Fish & Game] *[http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/animals/mammal/oram/all.html US Forest Service – ''Oreamnos americanus''] {{Artiodactyla|R.3}} {{North American Game}} {{Taxonbar|from=Q242602}} [[Category:Mammals described in 1816]] [[Category:Caprids]] [[Category:Fauna of the Rocky Mountains]] [[Category:Fauna of the Western United States]] [[Category:Mammals of Canada]] [[Category:Mammals of the United States]] [[Category:Native American cuisine]] </big>}