Alpine ibex are renowned for their apparent gravity-defying ability to scale near-vertical surfaces to feed (on plants and salt) and escape predators.
The secret to their agility lies in the design of their hooves. Like cows and other goats (but unlike horses), the ibex’s hoof is cloven, with a hard outer wall for strength and soft, rubbery insides for gripping.
The two halves of the hoof work independently of each other, clinging on like a pincer to the tiniest bump or knobble. Alpine ibex also have two padded ‘dewclaws’ – false hooves just above the ankles – and calluses on the backs of the knees that help them to scramble up and down steep slopes, while their weight is supported on strong, stocky legs.
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