Diana Hérens - The Chamois

The chamois is the most widespread ungulate in the Valais. However, populations are declining in some areas, as they are throughout the Alps. The populations of this sensitive wild species are influenced by the quality of the habitat (food supply and calm winter weather), harsh winters, disturbance from leisure activities, interspecific competition with livestock and other wild animals, not to mention disease and large predators. Hunting pressure is also decisive, but the decline in populations in protected areas shows that hunting is not the only relevant factor.

AGE PYRAMID AND NATURAL SOCIAL STRUCTURE

Middle-aged goats (females) and bucks (males) are essential to a chamois population. They pass on traditions (such as the quest for good rewards or quiet winter releases), ensure that the rut goes smoothly and guarantee a high reproduction rate. Middle-aged goats are generally suckled (accompanied by their kid(s)) and thus protected. Middle-aged bucks, on the other hand, may be hunted.

THERE ARE CURRENTLY AROUND 20,000 CHAMOIS IN THE CANTON OF VALAIS.

Populations are counted by stalking, but the topography makes it impossible to count the entire population. The chamois's low growth rate of 15-20% in alpine habitats calls for conscientious hunting intervention.

Short-term flexibility in hunting planning is needed to achieve a long-term objective. For this reason, severe winters and epizootics (e.g. keratoconjunctivitis) must be taken into account in annual hunting guidelines. Due to their relatively late sexual maturity and low reproductive rate, chamois populations are slowly recovering.

©SCPF/SW

DID YOU KNOW?

Every year, chamois horns grow in annual rings, making it possible to calculate their age.