The wild goat, also known as the Alpine wild goat, encompasses various subspecies, including the European wild goat, Asian wild goat, Wild Abyssinian goat, Pyrenean wild goat, and Highland goat.

These majestic creatures are distinguished by their remarkable horns, which serve as their most striking feature. While male wild goats boast large and highly visible horns, the females possess smaller and more slender horns.

It is worth noting that the fate of the Alpine wild goat is heavily influenced by its horns, as they are both coveted for their medicinal properties and prized as valuable trophies. Unfortunately, rampant hunting activities led to the extinction of the wild goat population in the Swiss Alps.

However, a ray of hope emerged through a comprehensive breeding and reintroduction project. Thanks to the tireless efforts of conservationists, the Alpine wild goat has once again found its home in Switzerland, with a population of approximately 17,000 individuals.

To witness these magnificent creatures during the summer months, one must venture to the high mountains, where they prefer to reside in rocky areas beyond the timberline. Fortunately, certain herds of wild goats have chosen to dwell near cable car stations, making it accessible for enthusiasts of all physical abilities to observe these remarkable animals.

Endowed with a steady gait and exceptional balance, wild goats possess the ability to leap swiftly and confidently from one rock to another. When faced with danger, they strategically select locations that are difficult for their predators to pursue.

In desperate situations, these resilient creatures are not afraid to confront their adversaries, utilizing their formidable horns as weapons. The wild goat's sure-footed nature enables them to navigate rocky terrain with great agility, allowing for quick movement and running. Amongst the male wild goats, fierce competition arises as they vie for the opportunity to mate with the females.

Typically, the dominant male, often an individual aged six years or older, emerges as the victor. This outcome is primarily because older males possess the strongest and most formidable horns. These intense battles occur during the rut, a period preceding the breeding season that typically spans from autumn to December.

During these confrontations, two males face each other, standing tall on their hind legs, and forcefully collide their heads together. The base of their horns is specifically adapted to minimize injuries, ensuring their safety during these encounters. The successful male earns the right to mate with the female and propagate the species.

In 1875, as the Alpine wild goat population was dwindling and the remaining few dozen individuals resided within the private hunting grounds of King Vittorio Emanuele II of Italy, the Swiss government attempted to acquire wild goats through legal channels from Italy. Regrettably, their request was met with a refusal from the Italian king.

Left with limited options, Swiss zoologists resorted to a controversial method. According to Swiss Radio International, in 1906, certain zoologists in the St Gallen region resorted to bribing poachers to "retrieve" some purebred wild goats from the Italian king's hunting grounds. Subsequently, two female and one male wild goat were successfully transported to Switzerland.

After being successfully bred in a Swiss zoo, these wild goats were ultimately released into their natural habitat in 1911. In 1977, the Swiss government initiated controlled hunting of wild goats, striking a delicate balance between conservation and sustainable management.

As a testament to the successful recovery efforts, the wild goat was chosen as the theme animal for 2006 by Switzerland's largest nature conservation group, Nature for Good, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the species' reintroduction following its decimation in Switzerland due to overharvesting and extermination.