The word "gooral" is often misspelled as "goral". The correct spelling is "gooral" with the stress on the first syllable. In IPA transcription, it is pronounced /ˈɡɔːrəl/. The word refers to a type of small goat found in the mountainous regions of South and Southeast Asia. It is important to use the correct spelling in order to convey the intended meaning of the word in written and spoken communication.
Gooral is a noun that refers to a small to medium-sized species of mountain goat, scientifically known as Capra pyrenaica, native to the Pyrenees mountains in Europe. It belongs to the family Bovidae and subfamily Caprinae. The gooral has a compact and robust body with a height ranging from 65 to 85 centimeters and a weight between 30 to 60 kilograms, depending on the sex. Its fur is dense and consists of a thick undercoat covered by long guard hairs, which help it withstand cold temperatures.
This herbivorous ungulate is well adapted to its mountainous habitat, with sharp hooves that provide excellent grip on rocky terrain, enabling sure-footed climbing and leaping abilities. The gooral is primarily active during the day and is known to be a proficient climber, moving effortlessly through steep slopes and rocky cliffs. Its diet mainly consists of grass, leaves, and other vegetation.
Goorals are solitary animals, with males and females coming together only for mating purposes during the breeding season. Males possess a pair of impressive, backward-curving horns, while females have smaller and straighter horns, or sometimes none at all. These curved horns are used in territorial disputes and displays of dominance among males.
The gooral is considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but some subspecies are listed as critically endangered due to habitat loss and excessive hunting. Efforts are being made to conserve this species and protect their natural habitats to ensure their survival for future generations.
The word "gooral" is derived from the Polish word "góral", which means "mountain dweller" or "highlander". The term "gooral" is specifically used to refer to a species of goat-like ungulate native to the mountains of Central Asia, also known as the Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus). The name reflects the animal's habitat and high-altitude living.