Kri Kri ibex (Capra aegagrus cretica)
This Ibex is a rare form of the Bezoar Ibex that lives on the island of Sapienza. Only in Greece can you spot and pursue this “ibex” (ibexes are known as “ibexes” in Greece only in November and are limited in number). This goat species inhabiting the Middle East is known as the kri-kri (Cretan Ibex, Agrimi, Cretan Goat). In 1985, the kri-kri was accidentally discovered by Cretan Society of Natural History members. The kri-kri has a brown coat with a black mane, sweeping horns, and is only found on Crete, Greece, in addition to three small islands near it (Dia, Thodorou, and Agii Pantes). It has a light brown coat with a darker neck collar, two sweeping horns, and is shy and avoids human contact in the wild. As a result of their ability to leap or climb seemingly impassable boulders, they are known in the wild as “impossible goats.”
The Bezoar Ibex is a tiny variety of the Ibex that lived on the westernmost border of this species’ range. You may only hunt this ibex in Greece, which lives on the islands of Sapienza and Atalanty. Permits to hunt this ibex (only issued in November) are very restricted. The kri-kri goat is a feral goat species inhabiting the Middle East, the Cretan Ibex, the Cretan Goat, and the Agrimi, all of which are frequently referred to as the Cretan Ibex. It was accidentally discovered in 1985 by members of the Cretan Society of Natural History. Their brown coats have a black mane, and they are only found on Crete, Greece, as well as three nearby islands (Dia, Thodorou, and Agii Pantes). They lie low and avoid people in the wild, resting during the day. In the wild, they are able to leap or climb seemingly impossible rocks.
Crete
The kri-kri is not thought to have been native to Crete, it was most likely imported as part of the Minoan civilization. It has survived on the island as the only one of its kind. Its original habitat was the Aegean, but it has now been reduced to one of its last populations in the Western Cretan White Mountains—the 8,000-foot (2,400-meter) cliffs known as ‘The Untrodden’ being a good example. This mountain range, which houses 14 endemic species, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is protected as such. Dia, Thodorou, and Agii Pandes are included in their range. Recently, some kri-kris were introduced to two more islands. In 1960, there were less than 200 kri-kris left. Mountain guerillas relied on kri-kris for meat during the German occupation of the Samaria Gorge during World War II. The Samaria Gorge became a national park in 1962, partly because it was seen as a symbol of national liberation. Hunting, reduced grazing areas, and disease are causing a decline in the population, which is now estimated at only 2,000, down from 5,000. Hybridization is a problem because the population crossbred with domestic goats.
It is thought that the kri-kri was introduced to Crete as part of the Minoan civilization. It’s the only one of its type and therefore unique to the island. Once widespread throughout the Aegean, it is now confined to Western Crete’s White Mountains, particularly the 900-foot (270-metre) ‘Untrodden’ cliffs of the Samaria Gorge. There are still some populations of this mountain range in Western Crete, which contains 14 endemic animals, including the White Mountains, the Samaria National Forest, and the Dia, Thodorou, and Agii Pandes islets. In total, the kri-kri can be found in the White Mountains, Samaria Gorge National Forest, and the Dia, Thodorou, and Agii Pandes islets. It is thought that almost extinct by 1960, only a small number of kri-kri remained. Mountain guerrillas relied on the kri-kri for meat during the German occupation of the Samaria Gorge during World War II. The Samaria Gorge became a national park in 1962 because it symbolized national liberation. The population has declined, with only 2,000 left in the country, which is highly endangered due to hunting, poor grazing areas, and disease. There is also hybridization, as the population has crossbred with domestic goats.
HUNTING
The Kri-Kri, Capra aegagrus cretica, is the smallest ibex in terms of body weight, but not antler length. Because it was hunted to extinction, there are only a few specimens known. It was as large as 115 cm (45 inches). In Greece, Kri-Kri ibexes are currently hunted. On Atalanti and Sapientza Islands, hunting is available from the last week of October to the first week of December. On Sapientza, hunting is permitted from November through December, provided the weather is suitable. The Dasaiheo institution controls and monitors Kri-Kri ibex populations. In September, Dasaiheo, a state facilities institution, decides whether to allow the hunting of Kri-Kri ibexes, taking their population and health status into account. Only shotguns are used to hunt Kri-Kri ibexes at this time. The hunt itself is not physically demanding, and it provides hunting and tourist experiences at the end of the Greek tourist year.
You can go hunting for this magnificent creature on two separate islands, located about 150 kilometers and 300 kilometers away from Athens.
The smallest ibex in regards to bodyweight but not antler length is the Ibex Capra Aegagrus Cretica (Kri-Kri). Only a few specimens were hunted and not documented, and they were as big as 115 cm (45 inches). Gold Medal trophies are available for 61 cm (24 inches). The Kri-Kri ibex is currently hunted in Greece. Hunting is permitted in Atalanti and Sapientza from the last week of October to the first week of December, and November through December the weather permitting. The Dasaiheo institution controls and safeguards the Kri Kri ibex population on Atalanti and Sapientza. The Dasaiheo is a state body that safeguards and monitors Kri Kri ibexes. On both islands, the Kri Kri ibex population is safeguarded and monitored by Dasaiheo, a state organ. In September, the corporation decides if they can hunt Kri Kri ibexes, considering their population and health standing. At this point, Kri Kri ibexes may only be hunted with shotguns. This hunt is not physically demanding, and it leads to an excellent hunting and tourist experience at the end of the Greek tourist season.
Sapientza island
These emblematic natural landscapes with crystal clear water and endless blue skies are where the Kri Kri Ibex is hunted, a special trophy that our clients may hunt on Sapienza Island, situated in the Greek mainland south of the Peloponnese. Sapientza is about a half-hour or four hours away from Athens, therefore we suggest flying into Athens International Airport. You may stay at a four-star hotel as close to the island as possible. Because the vessels depart at sunrise and return at 3 p.m., the hunt lasts from dawn to dusk. The boat ride from Sapientza to and from the islands lasts 15 to 50 minutes, depending on where it is hunted. Three hunting groups compete for three zones on the island. If the weather is inclement, the hunt is postponed to the following day. Sapienza is accessible to hunters Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. We provide all-inclusive hunting packages that include accommodation and meals at a four-star hotel close to the area, a local game guide to assist you, a boat ride to and from the island, initial trophy preparation, insurance, Greek hunting license, island entry permits, a Kri Kri Ibex hunting license, weapon and ammo rental, and administrative fees. The trophy charge must be paid directly to the game officer on site.
PACKAGE PRICE SAPIENTZA ISLAND
Sapientza
4 days hunt- Transfer
- Boat trip
- PH
- Accomodation
- Shotgun
- Trophy preparation
- Hunting papers
- Trophy fee
Atalanty island
On Atalanty island the Kri Kri Ibex can only be shot on Fridays. From early morning until noon, in accordance with Greek law. Only shotguns are permitted, and only slugs may be used. The Ibexes are typically seen feeding in certain locations, and the shots are taken at a range of 15 to 20 metres. A local hotel will be where you stay. The boat transfer to Atalanti takes about 10 minutes. This island is smaller and therefore has just two hunting groups roaming at the same time. Hunts are restricted to Fridays only. Weather conditions don’t have a significant impact here, as the island is fairly well protected from winds and waves, making it accessible at any time. Currently, there is an urgency to extend the hunting season for another day. On day 1, you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel, which is about 1.5 hours away. On day 2, you will hunt Kri Kri. On day 3, you will be taken to the airport and depart from Athens.
PACKAGE PRICE ATALANTI ISLAND
Atalanti
1 day hunt- Transfer
- Boat trip
- PH
- Accomodation
- Shotgun
- Trophy preparation
- Hunting papers
- Trophy fee
