Physical Description
The chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) is a goat-like animal that lives in the European Alps and Carpathian Mountains. Chamois were successfully introduced to the South Island of New Zealand in 1907, where it has caused damage to mountain ecosystems. It is one of only two species of the genus Rupicapra, the other being the Pyrenean Chamois, Rupicapra pyrenaica. It is in the Caprinae subfamily of bovids, along with sheep and goats.
Female chamois and their kids live in herds; grown-up males tend to live solitary for most of the year. During rut season (late November/early December in Europe, May in New Zealand), males seek out female herds and engage in fierce fights with each other. After a gestation period of 20 weeks, a single kid is born. The kid is fully grown at an age of three years. It is rumored that in farming areas, male chamois will occasionally mate with goats and produce sterile hybrids, but no such event has ever been scientifically recorded.
Habitat & Distribution
As a mountain dweller, the chamois is excellently adapted to living in rugged, rocky terrain. Its climbing abilities are only surpassed by the Alpine Ibex. A fully grown chamois reaches a height of about 75 cm (2.5 feet) and weighs about 50 kg (110 lb). Both males and females have short horns which are slightly curled backwards. In summer, the chamois' fur has a rich brown color which turns to a light grey in winter. Distinct characteristics are a white face with pronounced black stripes below the eyes, a white backside and a black dorsal strip. Chamois can reach an age of up to 20 years.
