Northern Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra)

OTHER NAMES: Chamois, Alpine Chamois

Latin Etymology: Rupicapra ("cliff goat") rupicapra ("cliff goat")

Northern Chamois (subspecies R. r. rupicapra) in the Dolomites, Italy - July 2004

Featured Subspecies: Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra
Weight: 25-45kg  /  Length:107-137cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The Chamois is a Goat-Antelope species of the mountains of Europe and parts of Europe bordering Asia - they are a herd species found in the higher reaches of mountains.  They summer in Alpine Meadows before descending into the treeline in Winter to feed.  They are found in mountainous regions throughout Southern Europe though by far the biggest block of this range is the Alps and surrounding ranges like the Dolomites.

Related Species:
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Capra
SUBSPECIES: R. r. rupicapra, R.r. tatrica, R.r. balcanica, R. r. carpatica, R. r. cartusiana, R. r. asiatica, R. r. caucasica

 - Sighting Locations -

ITALY - Italian - Camoscio Alpino ("Alpine Chamois")

A fairly common resident of the high mountains.

 - DOLOMITES 2004 TRIP: Seen at several points in the Dolomites

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto