Oreamnos


Oreamnos is a genus of North American caprines. The mountain goat is the only living species. Until the end of the Pleistocene, another species, Oreamnos harringtoni, was distributed to the south of the recent form.

Climbing mechanics

Based on a field recording in the Rocky Mountains of Canada of the Oreamnos americanus climbing a 45-degree slope, researchers were able to measure the goat's whole body movement as it climbed. Researchers observed that when the goat propelled itself forward, it extended its back legs and the front legs were tucked close up to its chest during its first phase. During the second phase the goat raised its back legs near to its chest, while the front legs humerus stayed locked in a persistent location relative to the goat's chest, therefore allowing the elbow to be detained in close proximity to the whole body's center of balance. Extension of the elbow and carpal joints resulted in a vertical translation of the center of mass up the mountain slope.