The kri-kri is not thought to be indigenous to Crete, most likely having been imported to the island during the time of the Minoan civilization. Nevertheless, it is found nowhere else and is thereforeendemic to Crete. It was common throughout the Aegean but the peaks of the 8,000 ft (2,400 m) White Mountains of Western Crete are their last strongholds–particularly a series of almost vertical 3,000 ft (900 m) cliffs called ‘the Untrodden’—at the head of the Samaria Gorge. This mountain range, which hosts another 14 endemic animal species, is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In total, their range extends to the White Mountains, the Samaria National Forest and the islets of Dia, Thodorou, and Agii Pandes.
Ibexes on Sapientza island originate from Crete, from there they got their name. But on the main land of Greece hundreds of years ago where they mixed their genes with the freely walking domestic goats of the locals. Because of that reason all Kri Kri that inhabit some parts of Greece are hybrids and are much bigger, with different colour and larger and twisted horns than the ones at the island of Sapietza.
Sapientza is an island of lush vegetation, with a rich flora and fauna. Here we find the unique in the Mediterranean forest of perennial hollies and arbutus which reach heights beyond ten meters. The great zoological importance of the island is highlighted by the bottlenose dolphin, the Mediterranean monk seal and the loggerhead sea turtle. The famous Cretan goat Kri-kri lives here, as well as many bird species. Researchers and visitors are mystified by the beauty of the landscape and its harmony with nature.