The chamois
Rupicapra rupicapra
The chamois is one of those animals that, already with its robust and compact looks, reveals its natural, perfect adaptation to very steep, rugged and rocky terrain. Its proud bearing, the straight back and the long, strong legs give it an inborn elegance. Rapid in its movements, with a splendid blackish winter coat, the chamois resembles a real “devil” of the mountains.
Adult males weigh between 30kg and 45kg; their shoulder height is 75-87cm and their body length varies between 1.2m and 1.4m. The females are lighter and slimmer, weighing 25-35kg, and they have a shoulder height of 65-75cm and are 1.1m to 1.3m long. The tail is short (10-14cm) but noticeable, in both sexes.
During the summer months, chamois wear a lighter-coloured coat of varying chestnut-hazelnut tones, ranging from a very light beige to reddish, with a dark dorsal stripe that runs along the entire back. The legs are also dark, contrasting with the white-yellowish stomach.
The winter coat, consisting of long, dense and perfectly insulating fur, is of a more intense shade of colours: varying from grey-anthracite to dark brown, almost black. These colours favour the absorption of the sun’s warm rays that are so precious in this rigid Alpine climate. Adult males have a long mane of hair (beard), up to 30cm length, which extends all along their spinal column. Throat and face (which has a dark stripe on both sides) are whitish, making the identification of this fascinating hoofed animal unmistakable.
Adult males weigh between 30kg and 45kg; their shoulder height is 75-87cm and their body length varies between 1.2m and 1.4m. The females are lighter and slimmer, weighing 25-35kg, and they have a shoulder height of 65-75cm and are 1.1m to 1.3m long. The tail is short (10-14cm) but noticeable, in both sexes.
During the summer months, chamois wear a lighter-coloured coat of varying chestnut-hazelnut tones, ranging from a very light beige to reddish, with a dark dorsal stripe that runs along the entire back. The legs are also dark, contrasting with the white-yellowish stomach.
The winter coat, consisting of long, dense and perfectly insulating fur, is of a more intense shade of colours: varying from grey-anthracite to dark brown, almost black. These colours favour the absorption of the sun’s warm rays that are so precious in this rigid Alpine climate. Adult males have a long mane of hair (beard), up to 30cm length, which extends all along their spinal column. Throat and face (which has a dark stripe on both sides) are whitish, making the identification of this fascinating hoofed animal unmistakable.