Chamois

The chamois frequents high-altitude meadows, but can also be observed on rocky walls and inside woods, from the valley floor up to about 3500 meters above sea level. In summer, it prefers cooler slopes, while in winter, it moves in large herds where it can more easily find grass to graze, specifically on very steep slopes with a south and southwest exposure that facilitates early snow melting. In the territories managed by the Cozie Alps Parks, it is the only ungulate that has not become extinct unlike deer, roe deer, wild boar, and ibex which were eliminated by hunting activities during the 20th century and later reintroduced.

Anatomy and morphology

The males reach 90 cm in height at the withers and weigh around 50 kg, while the females do not exceed 80 cm in height and weigh about 40 kg. The highest fat accumulation occurs in autumn to allow individuals to survive the harsh winter conditions, while at the beginning of spring, there is a significant decrease in body weight, especially among males who can lose up to a third of their weight due to high energy expenditure during the mating season.

The chamois coat has a light brown color in summer and dark brown in winter, with a white muzzle bordered by the characteristic mask: two black bands from the cheeks to the ears passing through the eyes. Both males and females have perennial black hooked horns.

Adaptation to mountain life

From a morphological and physiological point of view, the chamois has undergone a series of adaptations that allow it to live in environments characterized by rocks and snow. In particular, the cloven hoof has a hard and sharp outer rim that can support the animal even while resting on small footholds on rocks, while the soft pads provide greater friction on rocky surfaces when, for example, descending. Moreover, the hoof digits can spread considerably, featuring an interdigital membrane that increases the contact surface, especially in snow.

The large heart, remarkable lung capacity, and high concentration of red blood cells in the blood allow the chamois to quickly climb long, very steep slopes without feeling excessive fatigue, even at high altitudes.

Feeding

The chamois is a slightly specialized ruminant capable of grazing on tender grasses, buds, and young leaves, as well as making the most of less appetizing resources like lichens and pine needles to supplement its diet during times of scarcity such as winter.

Habitat

Due to its anatomy and diet, the chamois inhabits environments that provide vegetation as nourishment and rocky areas to seek refuge from predators. Typically, it is found at altitudes between 1000 and 3500 meters above sea level, but in summer, it can climb even higher: it can also be spotted on glaciers and mountain walls above 4000 meters. Interestingly, in Val di Susa on the slopes of Mount Pirchiriano where the Sacra di San Michele is located, a community of chamois has adapted to living at unusually low altitudes, below 400 meters.

Reproduction

The mating period of the chamois spans from late October to mid-December, with a gestation period of about 160/170 days leading to the birth of a single offspring, rarely twins, between mid-May and mid-June. Reproduction occurs every 1 or 2 years. To protect their young, pregnant females seek rocky slopes and steep slopes to give birth. Lifespan In ideal conditions, chamois can live up to 25 years, but in the wild, they generally do not survive beyond 15/16 years due to the aging process and physical decline that begins around 10 years old.