Seasonal habitat selection and group size of the Abruzzo chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata)

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Abstract
Mixed flocks of chamois females, kids, yearlings and Class 1 males were observed in the Alpine meadows mainly during the warm season. They still attended such areas in winter, as long as grass patches became temporarily available otherwise they moved to the forested lower slopes. In the cold season the chamois attended mainly wind protected, very steep slopes. During the winter, flock size was small, however it increased during the warm months when most chamois moved to open habitats at higher altitudes. Class 3 and 4 males preferred wooded areas all year long, except at rutting time (November). All‐male groups were rare, small and restricted to the summer and autumn, whereas female groups were larger and their sightings were evenly scattered throughout the year. Sightings of solitary males decreased during the rutting season, while sightings of males in mixed groups increased. Class 1 and 2 males, as well as many Class 3 and 4 billies, failed to hold females. Only a few Class 4 and, to a lesser extent, Class 3 males were seen with females. On the whole, environmental (snow depth, food quality and distribution, slope exposition) and behavioural (dominance, herding strategies, etc.) factors contribute in determining habitat selection, group size and structure.

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