An unexpected oasis in the Judean Desert along the western edge of the Dead Sea is the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. The national park covers 3,500 acres (about 5.5 square miles) and is crisscrossed with hiking trails. Thanks to numerous springs and waterfalls, there is reliable water for arid-tropical vegetation. Among the wildlife are wolves, foxes, jackals, bats and vultures. This is a herd of Nubian ibexes (Capra nubiana). In front are a pair of adult males. These desert goats can grow to 2.6 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh over 100 pounds. The slender curled horns of a buck ibex can measure an impressive four feet.
