American chamois

The American chamois (Rupicapra pacifica) is a species of medium-sized goat-antelope of the genus Rupicapra that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the swamps, forests, open woodlands, and hilly woodlands to help boost biodiversity. The fully-grown American chamois is a very small bovid. A fully grown American chamois reaches a height of 70–80 cm (28–31 in) and measures 107–137 cm (42–54 in) (the tail is not generally visible except when mating). Males, which weigh 30–60 kg (66–132 lb), are slightly larger than females, which weigh 25–45 kg (55–99 lb). Both males and females have short, straightish horns which are hooked backwards near the tip, the horn of the male being thicker. In summer, the fur has a rich brown colour which turns to a light grey in winter. Distinct characteristics are white contrasting marks on the sides of the head with pronounced black stripes below the eyes, a white rump and a black stripe along the back. American chamois are found in swamps and forests where they primarily feed on leaves, shoots, conifers, barks, and needles. Primarily diurnal in activity, they often rest around mid-day and may actively forage during moonlit nights. Female American chamois and their young live in herds of up to 15 to 30 individuals; adult males tend to live solitarily for most of the year. During the rut (late November/early December), males engage in fierce battles for the attention of unmated females. An impregnated female undergoes a gestation period of 170 days, after which a single kid is usually born in May or early June - on rare occasions, twins may be born. If a mother is killed, other females in the herd may try to raise the young. The kid is weaned at six months of age and is fully grown by one year of age. However, the kids do not reach sexual maturity until they are three to four years old, although some females may mate at as early two years old. At sexual maturity, young males are forced out of their mother's herds by dominant males (who sometimes kill them), and then wander somewhat nomadically until they can establish themselves as mature breeding specimens at eight to nine years of age. American chamois can reach an age of 27 years in captivity, although the maximum recorded in the wild is from 18 to 21 years of age. The conservation status of the American chamois is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the American chamois's wide range.