chamois

Chamois are small, nimble hoofed mammals native to European mountains. They belong to the genus Rupicapra, and two extant species are recognized: the western chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and the Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica). They occupy rugged alpine and subalpine habitats across the Alps, Carpathians, Dinaric Alps and Pyrenees, often at elevations above the treeline where rocky slopes provide cover and escape routes from predators.

Physically, chamois are medium-sized bovids with short, backward-curving horns present in both sexes. They have stocky bodies and strong legs adapted for climbing steep terrain. Their coats are seasonally thick and help with insulation in cold mountain climates. Coloration and markings vary slightly between species and populations.

Chamois are primarily herbivores, feeding on grasses, herbs, and forbs, with greater reliance on browse on shrubs and twigs when vegetation is scarce. They are highly agile climbers and typically live in small social groups, with females and their young forming herds and males forming separate bachelor groups outside the breeding season.

Breeding occurs in autumn, with a gestation of about six months. Most births are single offspring, born in late spring or early summer. Kids stay with their mother for several months and the animals lead an elusive, seasonal lifestyle, often moving between valleys and high slopes with the movement of food and weather.

Conservation status and population trends vary by region. Chamois are protected in many countries and are a common sight in suitable alpine habitats, though some populations face pressures from hunting, habitat fragmentation, disease outbreaks, and climate change.