Rupicapra ornata, Neumann, 1899

Don E. Wilson & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2011, Bovidae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 2 Hoofed Mammals, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 444-779 : 697

209.

Abruzzi Chamois

Rupicapra ornata

French: Isard des Apennins / German: Abruzzen-Gamse / Spanish: Rebeco de los Abruzos

Other common names: Apennine Chamois

Taxonomy. Rupicapra ornata Neumann, 1899 ,

Abruzzi Apennines, Italy.

The Abruzzi Chamois has a low level of genetic variability, probably due to population bottlenecks and permanence of low numbers. More closely related to the Pyrenean Chamois ( R. pyrenaica ) than to the Alpine Chamois ( R. rupicapra ). Monotypic.

Distribution. Endemic to the Abruzzi Apennines in C Italy, in three subpopulations.

Descriptive notes. Head—body 105-120 cm, tail ¢. 3—4 cm, shoulder height ¢.76-80 cm; weight 23-35 kg (males) and 20-32 kg (females). Size much like the Pyrenean Chamois. The Abruzzi Chamois differs in coloration from other chamois species; it has a larger white throat patch and extensive white areas on the side and back of neck that extend to the shoulder.

Habitat. The Abruzzi Chamois occursat elevations of 400-2800 m. It uses alpine meadows during warm seasons but moves to lower forested areas during winter when snow accumulation limits access to forage in high meadows. Use of wind-protected, steep slopes prevails in winter.

Food and Feeding. Probably feeds on forbs and grass in the warm season and consumes a higher percentage of browse in the winter.

Breeding. The Abruzzi Chamois mates in November-December and gives birth in May-June to a single young after gestation of 165-175 days.

Activity patterns. During summer, feeding occurs in early morning and afternoon.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Usually moves from a high-elevation summer range to a lower-elevation winter range. Size of home range is variable depending on population density, winter conditions, and forage availability and quality. Older males and females are dominant over younger individuals. Herd size is highly variable, largely dependent on population density.

Status and Conservation. CITES Appendix I (as R. pyrenaica ornata ). Classified as Vulnerable on The IUCN Red List (as R. p. ornata ). The entire population of the Abruzzi Chamois is only about 1100. Numbers are increasing in protected areas. Spatial and forage competition with domestic livestock is the primary limiting factor. High numbers oftourists in national parks can be a major cause of stress to the Abruzzi Chamois because of harassment. Major conservation efforts include reestablishing and restoring populations in protected areas and developing integrated management grazing plans to diminish the negative effects of domestic livestock.

Bibliography. Apollonio, Andersen & Putman (2010), Apollonio, Ciuti et al. (2010), Cancrini et al. (1985), Cederna & Lovari (1985), Corlatti et al. (2011), Ferrari & Rossi (1985), Giacometti et al. (1997), Groves & Grubb (2011), Grubb (2005), Herrero, Lovari & Berducou (2008), Locati & Lovari (1900), Lorenzini (2005), Lovari (1984, 1985, 1987), Lovari & Cosentino (1986), Lovari & Scala (1980), Masini & Lovari (1988), Nascetti et al. (1985), Rodriguez et al. (2009).

Figures

208. Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica), 209. Abruzzi Chamois (Rupicapra ornata), 210. Cantabrian Chamois (Rupicapra parva), 211. Alpine Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), 212. Carpathian Chamois (Rupicapra carpatica), 213. Asia Minor Chamois (Rupicapra asiatica), 214. Himalayan Brown Goral (Nemorhaedus goral), 215. Himalayan Gray Goral (Nemorhaedus bedfordi), 216. Chinese Goral (Nemorhaedus griseus), 217. Burmese Goral (Nemorhaedus evansi), 218. Long-tailed Goral (Nemorhaedus caudatus), 219. Red Goral (Nemorhaedus baileyi)

Distribution. Endemic to the Abruzzi Apennines in C Italy , in three subpopulations.