The Northern chamois, also known as Common Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), is one of the most common and graceful ungulates in Europe with a remarkable agility to climb steep rocky terrains. Living with extremities of weather and food availability they require those qualities —orestesromeroThese animals are well-adapted to the harsh conditions seen in alpine environments.
A Master of the Mountains
Highly maneuverable climbers, Northern Chamois ascend ledges and sheer cliffs that appear to be unbelievable for an animal with hooves. due to their strong hooves and flexible joints, built for moving around in rocky terrain The real utility of this agility for their species’s survival lies in the fact that they are able to use it as a defense mechanism when fleeing from predators and purusing resources at high elevations.
A Unique Diet
Northern Chamois are grass, herb and lichen feeders. In the winter when food is scarce, they will browse on tree bark and twigs. The cold and their specially designed digestive systems help them pull every smidgen of nutrition from that awesome diet, no matter how tough the going.
Social Structure
The Northern Chamois is a sociable animal and usually lives in small groups or in herds. The males are rivaling each other for dominancy and mating rights, during the rutting season. The alpha male will breed with many females to produce a harem.
Conservation Concerns
Northern Chamois are not presently endangered, but they face numerous threats including habitat destruction and poaching as well as climate change. If human activity encroaches on their mountain habitat, populations can drop. On top of this habitat can be changed due to climate change and food availability potentially impacted as well.
Conservation measures aim to conserve habitat, control hunting and poaching of individuals and reduce the impact on climate change. If we only understand the availability, and urgently preserve these resources for Northern Chamois now— it will ensure that future generations are able to walk their power through mapped natural rangesoderscycle tucked into collective shelter.