Young ibex in the mountains | wildlife photography | Switzerland by Laura Dijkslag

While hiking in the Swiss Alps, I came across a herd of ibex, a dream come true. I hadn't expected it after hours of walking in the misty mountains and not seeing a hand in front of my eyes. And all that with a top-heavy camera bag on my back. The herd of ibex made up for everything, I was able to take beautiful photos of both young and adult animals. Including this young male (his horns are not yet fully grown) who was very curious and dared to get very close.

The ibex (Capra ibex) is an impressive mountain dweller found mainly in the Alps. This wild goat species is known for its powerful build, striking horns and exceptional climbing skills. Males have long, curved horns that can grow up to a metre long, while females have smaller horns. Steenbok live at high altitudes, often between 2,000 and 3,500 metres, and feel at home on steep rock faces where they avoid predators.

During summer, they graze on alpine meadows and feed on herbs, grasses and mosses. In winter, they descend to lower elevations to find food. Their hooves are adapted to provide grip on slippery and steep surfaces.

Steenbok were once almost extinct in the Alps, but thanks to conservation programmes, their populations have recovered, with the Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy as an important refuge. They now symbolise resilience and survival in rugged mountain landscapes.

The calm colours in this work make it suitable for any interior, whether as wall art or photo wallpaper.

This artwork is offered by Laura Dijkslag

Learn more about Laura Dijkslag?

• All artworks by Laura Dijkslag