Submitted by Michael Frankfort @mfrank_76
Please click HERE for a link to the original article.
The article “An Alpine ibex defies gravity to lick salt” describes how Alpine ibex in northern Italy climb the steep rock wall of the Cingino Dam. These mountain goats scale the nearly vertical wall to lick salt from the concrete, which compensates for their salt-deficient vegetarian diets. The article explains that salt is crucial for all animals, especially for mothers feeding their young.
The ibex can achieve this feat due to the unique structure of their hooves. The “elastic and rubbery” sole pads on their hooves help them adhere to the rocky surface, while the hard, sharp outer edges of their hooves grip the small asperities of the rock, allowing them to climb with remarkable agility.
