Himalayan ibex a distinct species

[UngulateNerd92]

I have to say, I didn't expect such systematics would be concluded. No revisions to the genus Capra were made in Ungulate Taxonomy (Groves & Grubb 2011), so it is quite fascinating to see that Capra sibirica sakeen would be elavated to full species level. From a geographic standpoint, I can't say that I am surprised by this as the distribution range of sp. sakeen is quite a distance away from other ssp. of Capra sibirica.

Himalayan Ibex a distinct species - The Hindu

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

Thanks for highlighting. For those interested check the paper ‘Genetic evidence for allopatric speciation of the Siberian Ibex (Capra sibirica) in India,’ as has recently been published in Endangered Species Research.

 

[UngulateNerd92]

Thanks for highlighting. For those interested check the paper ‘Genetic evidence for allopatric speciation of the Siberian Ibex (Capra sibirica) in India,’ as has recently been published in Endangered Species Research.

Thank you so much! I appreciate the reference.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the reference.

The paper is still in pre press (mind): Inter Research » Journals » ESR » prepress abstract.
Siberian ibex 6.6 mio Miocene / Pliocene and Tajik/Indian (Himalayan ibex) diverging 2.4 mio in Pleistocene.

If I am correct tectonics and plate movements were very much in evidence and "on the move" in the sub Asian continent(s) then. This also explains the peculiarities and distinctness and divergence of Himalayan versus East Asian (China-Tibet-Siberia) floras f.i. (amongst others ...).

Link to a Himalayan tectonics research paper: Tectonics of- Miocene—Early Pleistocene (The Himalayan Tectonic Period, 23–0.78 Ma)