Just a hypothetical question here. I know aoudad have done well in West Texas and Bezoar ibex have an established population in New Mexico. Assuming that they weren't hunted or shot for awhile, could something like a Markhor or Nubian ibex population be establish and survive free range in the West Texas area?

Good question. I may be wrong but it seems to me that Nubian Ibex are harder to raise than the Persian types. At least for me. I don't know anything about Markhor but that must also be the case as you don't see many around. West Texas can only provide for a certain amount of animals. Maybe the abundance of Aoudad is taking care of the CC and any other type of Sheep or Goat could not compete. I also don't know how the predators would be on them. I know coyotes are a problem with mine here.

Markhor would be awesome! I know of a few that have been shot free range, but don't think there is a big population of them to be found.

Markhor would thrive in Texas Terrain. I know several have been killed free range.

I have hunted for them out next to the Indian head ranch where there was some wild. But only seen them from a mile away or so.

They are very hardy and wild so I don't believe the predators would be an issue.

I knew a guy that shot a decent one in that area and just let it lay after a pic. He didn't want to mess with a goat, he said

I asked if I could have the head and he still said no because it was too far to get to. I about wanted to punch the guy and he didn't believe me when I told him what they are worth.

There is also this other guy over on TBH that had a band of Ronda ibex billies on his trail cam in that same area.

The kids are the ones the predators get. Just about all animals leave their offspring to go and eat or drink. What i seen with the Nubians is that especially the younger mothers will forget where they left the kids. There must be a reason that Aoudad thrive in West Texas and others that you would think they would don't.

i have no doubt ibex would survive out there. i am sure there there would be losses from different things...but the terrain and overall weather would make it possible.