The Arabian tahr (Arabitragus jayakari ) is a species of tahr native to eastern Arabia. Until recently, it was placed in the genus Hemitragus, but genetic evidence supports its removal to a separate monotypic genus, Arabitragus.
The Arabian tahr is the smallest species of tahr. The animal is of stocky build with backward-arching horns in both sexes. Males are much more robust than females. Their coats consist of a long, reddish-brown hair, with a dark stripe running down the back. Males possess the most impressive manes which extend right down the back and grow longer, based on the age. In the oldest males the muzzle darkens to black and the eye stripes also darken. As with most mountain goats and sheep, they have rubber-like hooves to provide balance and traction on the steep, rocky slopes.
The Arabian tahr is a stocky build ungulate with backward-arching horns in both sexes. Males are much more robust than females. Their coats consist of long, reddish-brown hair, with a dark stripe running down the back. Males possess the most impressive manes which extend right down the back and grow longer, based on age. In the oldest males, the muzzle darkens to black and the eye stripes also darken. As with most mountain goats and sheep, they have rubber-like hooves to provide balance and traction on the steep, rocky slopes.
Arabian tahrs are native to eastern Arabia. These animals live on steep rocky slopes of the Al Hajar Mountains in Oman and the United Arab Emirates. They are also found in the area of Jebel Hafeet - a mountain in the region of Tawam, on the border of the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Arabian tahrs are typically solitary or live in small groups consisting of a female and a kid, or a male. These animals are active during the day and start feeding early in the morning. They are highly dependent on water and need to drink every two to three days during summer. They descend from their point of elevation to drink from river courses known as wadis and travel to new areas when the water dries up.
Arabian tahrs are herbivores. They feed on shrubs, leaves, fruits of most trees and grasses.
Arabian tahrs breed throughout the year and are thought to be monogamous. Instead of forming herds during seasonal ruts, they reproduce in small, dispersed family units. The female gives birth to 1 or rarely 2 kids after the gestation period that lasts from 140 to 145 days. The kid is born fully developed but remains with its parents for about 2-3 years before becoming independent. By this time the young becomes reproductively mature and is ready to breed.
Arabian tahrs are threatened by intense overgrazing, poaching, and habitat destruction. In Oman, a recent increase of human migration to urban areas has resulted in domestic goats becoming feral and foraging in places that were once strictly the tahr's home. Habitat degradation is also another major threat, due to the construction of roads, buildings, and mineral extraction. Also, poaching often occurs when tahrs descend down from the mountains for water.
According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Arabian tahr is 2,202-2,324 mature individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing.