Editing Himalayan tahr (section)

== Characteristics==
[[File:Prague 07-2016 Zoo img06 Hemitragus jemlahicus.jpg|thumb|A female Himalayan tahr]]
[[File:Hemitragus jemlahicus Jharal.jpg|thumb|Himalayan tahr in Nepal]]

The Himalayan tahr has a small head, small pointed ears, large eyes, and horns that vary between males and females.<ref name="theodor" /> Their horns reach a maximum length of {{cvt|46|cm}}. Himalayan tahrs are [[Sexual dimorphism|sexually dimorphic]], with females being smaller in weight and in size and having smaller horns. The horn is curved backwards, preventing injury during mating season when [[Agonistic behaviour#Agonistic fighting|headbutting]] is a common mating ritual among males. The average male tahr usually weighs around {{cvt|73|kg}}, with females averaging {{cvt|36|kg}} and is shorter in height than in length.<ref>{{Cite web |title=''Hemitragus jemlahicus'' (Himalayan tahr) |url=http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Hemitragus_jemlahicus/ | access-date=2 December 2013 | archive-date=3 December 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203032153/http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Hemitragus_jemlahicus/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The exterior of a tahr is well adapted to the harsh climate of the Himalayans. They sport thick, reddish wool coats and thick undercoats, indicative of the conditions of their habitat. Their coats thin with the end of winter and becomes lighter in color.<ref name="ult">{{cite web |title=Himalayan tahr |date=2001 |url=http://www.ultimateungulate.com/tahrhim.html |access-date=23 April 2013 |archive-date=12 February 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040212154357/http://www.ultimateungulate.com/tahrhim.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

As a member of the [[ungulate]]  group of mammals, the Himalayan tahr possesses an even number of toes. They have adapted the unique ability to grasp both smooth and rough surfaces that are typical of the mountainous [[terrain]] on which they reside. This useful characteristic also helps their mobility. The hooves of the tahr have a rubber-like core which allows for gripping smooth rocks while [[keratin]] at the rim of their hooves allow increased hoof durability, which is important for traversing the rocky ground. This adaptation allows for confident and swift maneuvering of the terrain.<ref name="ult" />

The lifespan of a Himalayan tahr typically ranges around 14 or 15 years, with females living longer than males. The oldest known Himalayan tahr lived to 22 years old in captivity.<ref name="smith">Smith, A. T., Yan Xie, Hoffman, R., Lunde, D., MacKinnon, J., Wilson, D. E. and Wozencraft, W. C. 2008. A Guide to the Mammals of China. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey.</ref>