Endemic to the eastern Caucasus region—mainly in Dagestan (Russia), northern Azerbaijan, and parts of Georgia—this rare mountain ungulate lives among some of the steepest, most remote terrain on Earth. It is a creature of extremes: forged by cliffs, cold winds, and thin air, yet marked by a quiet, powerful elegance. Known also as the Dagestan tur, it is a true master of vertical landscapes, thriving where few large animals dare to go.

At first glance, the East Caucasian tur looks like a blend of a wild goat and an ibex—a strong, muscular animal built for climbing. Males are especially striking, with massive, cylindrical horns that sweep gracefully backward. These horns are smoother and more rounded than those of the West Caucasian tur, giving the species its Latin name cylindricornis, meaning “cylindrical-horned.” Males also develop a coarse, shaggy coat and a small beard, their coloration shifting from reddish-brown in summer to grayish or almost silver in winter, blending perfectly with the rocky slopes. Females are smaller, more slender, and have shorter horns, but share the same agile grace.

Life for the East Caucasian tur unfolds at high altitudes—typically between 800 and 4,000 meters (2,600–13,000 feet) above sea level. In these rugged mountains, where sheer cliffs drop into mist-filled valleys, the tur displays incredible agility. It can scale near-vertical rock faces, leap across ravines, and navigate loose scree with the ease of a gymnast. Their strong legs, rubbery hooves, and impeccable balance allow them to escape predators like wolves and lynxes, often retreating to cliff ledges where no pursuer can follow. During the day, they graze on alpine grasses, herbs, and shrubs, often resting on rocky outcrops with sweeping views of the landscape below—a fitting vantage point for an animal that truly rules the mountains.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Azerbaijan

2019

Georgia

2019

Russia

2019