Abstract: Capra sibirica is an important alpine ungulate species in high mountain regions of Central Asia, and ranks in grade I key protected wildlife in China. C. sibirica generally prefers rocky habitat and a considerable portion of their diet is comprised of Gramineae and Cyperaceae. C. sibirica is a sexual dimorphism ungulate species in morphology; males are much larger than females. Mature male and female ibexes live in separate groups except in the breeding season. The population amount of C. sibirica has decreased sharply since recent decades due to overhunting and poaching, habitat loss and disease. Researchers around the world have carried out a number of studies in order to protect this species. The present paper summarized the main results of these studies from the aspects of species classification, morphology and physiology, population density and quantity, habitat selection, time budget and activity rhythm, gregarious behavior, the endangered cause and protection strategy. The future study should focus on the sexual segregation and food habits of C. sibirica.

Key words: diatoms, total nitrogen, ecological thresholds, total phosphorus, indicator taxa.