Balearean boc

The Balearean boc (Capra hircus var. majorcan[1]) also known as the Majorcan wild goat, is a caprid native to the Balearic Islands in Spain. Being the only big game species that exists in the Balearic Islands, it has attracted attention from international hunters, particularly from the United States, where the SCI included it as a game species in 2004.[2] The CIC and the National Board of Trophy Hunting Homologation included it in 2009 and 2008 respectively.[3]

A boc in Alcúdia, Spain

Taxonomy

Natural range

Barbary sheep naturally occur exclusively in the Balearic Islands, and in no other area in the globe.[4]

Habitats
An information card on the bocs in Alcúdia

Balearean bocs are found in arid mountainous areas where they graze and browse grasses, bushes, and lichens.[5] They are able to obtain some of their metabolic water from food, but if liquid water is available, they drink and wallow in it. They are well adapted to their habitat, which consist of steep, rocky mountains and canyons. They often flee at the first sign of danger, typically running uphill, contrary to the common misconception that views them as tame. They are particularly abundant in Alcúdia and Formentor.

See also

References
  1. José R. Castelló, Bovids of the World: Antelopes, Gazelles, Cattle, Goats, Sheep, and Relatives, Princeton Field Guides (April, 2016), p. 354
  2. Safari Club International - Balearean Chapter Visit (July 25, 2013)
  3. Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente, Catálogo de Trofeos de Caza (2006-2010), DiScript Preimpresión, S. L. (Madrid, 2015), p. 314-318
  4. Seguí (2005). p. 124
  5. El Diario: Cabras asilvestradas: ¿problema o patrimonio? - June 5, 2018

Bibliography
  • Seguí, Bartomeu (2005). "The Majorcan wild goat: Origin, genetics, morphology, ecological notes and taxonomic implications". Bolleti de la Societat d'Historia Natural de les Balears. Societat d'Història Natural de les Balears. 48.
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