Arabitragus – Arabian tahr

A rare and remarkable wild goat found only in the rocky mountains of Oman and the United Arab Emirates. It’s the smallest member of the tahr family, but what it lacks in size is toughness and agility. These mountain dwellers have sturdy bodies, short legs, and rubbery hooves that help them grip steep cliffs and rugged terrain. Their reddish-brown coats blend perfectly with the dry, rocky landscape, and in the cooler months, their fur becomes thicker and shaggier. Males are especially striking, with long, backward-curving horns and a darker coat that helps them stand out during mating season.

What makes the Arabian tahr truly special is how well it’s adapted to surviving in one of the harshest environments on Earth. The Hajar Mountains, where they live, are hot, dry, and rocky, with very little vegetation. Yet the tahr thrives there, climbing steep slopes to find shrubs and grasses to eat, and resting in the shade of cliffs during the hottest parts of the day. They’re incredibly agile and can climb sheer rock faces with ease, often disappearing into hard-to-reach spots to avoid predators like leopards or stray dogs. Because of their secretive nature and rugged home, they’re not often seen, even by people who live nearby.

Arabian tahrs live in small, scattered groups and communicate with each other using body language and soft bleating sounds. Another interesting trait is that they rarely need to drink water directly. They get most of the moisture they need from the plants they eat, which is a handy trick in a dry environment. The Arabian tahr may not be as famous as other wild goats or sheep, but it’s a true mountain survivor—tough, elusive, and perfectly suited to its desert home.