Capra (genus)

The genus *Capra* represents a diverse group of mammals known commonly as goats. This genus includes ten different species, such as the markhor and several types of ibexes. These animals belong to the family Bovidae, which are known as bovids. Within that family, they are classified as caprines. Caprines are characterized by their ability to live in harsh environments. Most wild goats inhabit mountainous regions. They are incredibly agile and hardy animals. They can climb on bare rock and survive on sparse vegetation.

All members of the genus *Capra* are ruminants. This means they possess a specialized digestive system to process tough plant matter. They have a four-chambered stomach that performs several vital functions. First, the stomach helps with the initial digestion of food. Then, the animal will regurgitate the food back into its mouth. This process is known as chewing the cud. Finally, the animal redigests the food to extract more nutrients. This complex cycle allows them to thrive where other animals might starve.

Scientists can distinguish *Capra* goats from the genus *Ovis*, which includes sheep. One way to tell them apart is by their scent glands. Goats have these glands near their feet, in the groin, and in front of their eyes. Unlike sheep, goats lack other facial glands. You might also notice a beard on some goat specimens. Additionally, goats often have hairless calluses on the knees of their forelegs. These physical traits help researchers identify them in the wild.

Taxonomy, or the science of naming and classifying living things, shows complex relationships within this genus. While some older studies included sheep and Barbary sheep in *Capra*, most modern scientists treat them as distinct genera. Some researchers previously viewed the markhor as a separate branch. However, current views often include it within the genus. Recent studies using mitochondrial DNA have provided new insights into their history. For example, DNA shows that the Asian ibex and Nubian ibex are distinct species. Even though they look similar to the Alpine ibex, they are not closely related.

There are nine recognized wild species alongside the domestic goat. These include the West Asian ibex, also called the wild goat. Other species include the Sindh ibex and the Asian ibex, which is sometimes called the Siberian ibex. The genus also contains the markhor, the West Caucasian tur, and the East Caucasian tur. Other members are the Alpine ibex, the Iberian ibex, the Nubian ibex, and the Walia ibex. The domestic goat, *Capra hircus*, is derived from the bezoar ibex.

Human history is deeply connected to these animals through domestication. Archaeological evidence shows that domestication began in what is now Iran. This occurred approximately 10,000 calibrated calendar years ago. This makes goats one of the oldest domesticated species. Humans were motivated by easy access to goat hair, meat, and milk. Historically, goat skins were very useful tools. Until the Middle Ages, people used them as bottles for water and wine. In some regions, these skins were even used as parchment for writing.

Most wild goat species are allopatric, meaning they are geographically separated. This means they live in different areas and rarely meet. There are only two major exceptions where species overlap in the wild. The wild goat and the East Caucasian tur share a range. The markhor and the Asian ibex also overlap geographically. Even when they live in the same area, they do not usually interbreed in the wild. However, if they are kept in captivity, all *Capra* species can interbreed. They are capable of producing fertile offspring.