Balearic Islands Cave Goat

Myotragus is from Neo-Latin, derived from the Greek: μῦς, τράγος "mouse-goat"; which is smaller than any goat-like bovines.

Myotragus size varied between species and typically shrank over time. The body mass of the later Myotragus kopperi, an example of insular dwarfism, is believed to have been 23 kilograms (51 lb), whereas that of the early species Myotragus pepgonellae was roughly 60 kilograms (130 lb). According to a 2004 study, Myotragus balearicus was around 50 centimeters (1.6 feet) tall at the shoulder and weighed between 23 and 32 kilograms (51 and 71 pounds) as an adult.

Myotragus balearicus's orbits are about half as large as those of other caprines of comparable size, and they face forward rather than to the sides as they do in most ungulates and older Myotragus species, allowing for binocular vision. A pair of tiny horns pointed posteriorly protruded from the cranium. A single ever-growing (hypselodont) incisor, one premolar, three molars in each half of the lower jaw, two premolars and three molars in each half of the upper jaw, and two premolars and three molars in each half of the lower jaw make up the adult dentition of Myotragus balearicus, which is highly unusual among bovids.

While most ruminants have three incisors, one canine, and two premolars in each half of the lower jaw, the first species had three incisors, one canine, and a third premolar in each half of the upper jaw. The incisors were not continuously growing. In comparison to earlier species, the teeth in later species are significantly more hypsodont (high crowned). In contrast to other caprines, Myotragus balearicus has very short limbs, with partially united tarsals, metatarsals, and sesamoids.

Myotragus balearicus's bone histology exhibits lamellar-zonal tissue throughout the cortex, a characteristic more common in ectothermic reptiles. In contrast to other mammals, Myotragus balearicus's bones grow at a slow, adaptive rate, sometimes stop growing altogether, and mature to their largest size (somatic maturity) and likely sexual maturity at the age of 12. Myotragus balearicus newborns are thought to have measured between 15 and 18 centimeters (5.9 and 7.1 in) in height and weighed between 700 and 900 grams (1.5 and 2.0 lb), which is less than 2% the bodymass of a mature adult and significantly less than that of a typical ruminant, where newborns typically exceed 4% the adult bodymass.

Myotragus was much slower than modern goats in terms of running and agility. Due to their limb bones, they have significantly diminished cursorial (running) capacity. probably moved slowly and purposefully. Though not nearly as nimble as contemporary mountain goats, Myotragus was nonetheless able to climb on difficult terrain. Although there isn't much concrete proof, it probably could swim sufficiently, albeit weakly, like the majority of caprines. Strong swimming skills are not necessary for island mammals, and their large body proportions imply poor swimming in comparison to contemporary goats. This pattern of growth shows that Myotragus, like extant reptiles, adapted its metabolism to shifting food and water supply, ambient temperatures, and environmental conditions.

Consider be unique to other bovines and other goats, hence the name because of resembles a goat rather than takin, a kind of bovine from Nepal to Bhutan, now is vulnerable species, the bones much like crocodiles and no other than Myotragus independent evolution. Because of its extremely slow metabolism and reptile-like growth patterns in its bone growth rings, Myotragus was a slow-living herbivore that adapted to a predator-free habitat. Due to its low energy requirements, this species was able to endure the limited vegetation on the island. Myotragus consumes tough Mediterranean plants, dry leaves, and hard, woody bushes.

In its island ecosystems, this cousin that resembled a goat was probably a significant browser. Myotragus evolved a slower pace and a weaker flight reaction since there were no local predators on the islands. Native to Spain of Balearic Islands of Mallorca and Menorca, became extinct due to brought dogs as predators, deforestation and failure of domesticity as the results of extinction of this animal.

Myotragus was probably peaceful, tame, and non-aggressive (low flight response), and it wouldn't exhibit the usual goat shyness. This species may have been inquisitive, yet it would appear "gentle" if it moved slowly. Given their short horns and non-aggressive demeanor, Myotragus would likely be easy to approach if they were still alive today, much like island species like the Galápagos that developed without predators.

This goat-antelope species, belonging to the Caprini tribe, was extinct some 4,500 years ago in the Balearic Islands of Mallorca and Menorca in the western Mediterranean. Myotragus fossils in the Balearic Islands date back more than 5 million years to the early Pliocene on Mallorca, when it is thought to have arrived following the Mediterranean Sea's evaporation during the Messinian Salinity Crisis.

• Movement Pattern: Not a Migrant

• Individual Type: Solo/Group

• Recovery Category: unknown

• Population Trend: Stable

• Population: 0

• Locomotion: Terrestrial

• Habitat: Montane Grasslands and Shrublands; Temperate Coniferous Forests; Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests; Temperate Deciduous Forests; Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Subtropical Coniferous Forests; Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Salt Flats; Stone Forest; Tropical Coniferous Forests; Tropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Grasslands; Tropical Savannas and Shrublands; Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands, and Scrub; Mushroom Forests; Mushroom Fields; Deserts and Xeric Shrublands; Badlands; Flooded Grasslands and Savannas; Swamp; Bayous/Billabongs; Riparian; Wetland; Mangrove Forest; Cold Bamboo Forests; Tropical Bamboo Forests; Air-breathing Coral Reefs; Graveyard Vale; Mountain; Karst Cave; Karst Spring.

• Earth: 

  • Extinct: Spain (Balearic Islands)

Myotragus balearicus is a wonderful option of pet for any survivor because it is a very well-behaved and huggable buddy. Myotragus balearicus herds are valuable in farm life, according to some survivors. Their hyper-nutritious and heat-resistant chevons are a favorite food among some cultures, and their fur can be regularly shaved safely with the right clothing.

Considered to be distinct from other cattle and goats, hence the name because it resembles a goat rather than a takin, a form of cattle from Nepal to Bhutan that is currently a vulnerable species due of its crocodile-like bones and separate evolution by none other than Myotragus. The Balearic Islanders of Mallorca and Menorca, native to Spain, went extinct as a result of domestication failure, introduction of dogs as predators, and deforestation.

2021 Renders

• 26/5/2023 - Myotragus was fixed.

Coming soon

• Coming soon

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myotragus

• https://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Myotragus

• https://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Myotragus_balearicus

• https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3011985

• https://eol.org/pages/4448013

• http://www.fossilworks.org/cgi-bin/bridge.pl?a=taxonInfo&taxon_no=42802

• https://www.gbif.org/species/4576591

• https://www.irmng.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=1042150

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?mode=Info&id=201716

• https://www.deviantart.com/ognimdo2002/art/Myotragus-balearicus-898529569

• https://www.deviantart.com/ognimdo2002/art/Myotragus-balearicus-2025-1151493787