Chamois in Danger?

In conversation with wildlife biologist Professor Klaus Hackländer. He heads the CIC chamois research project, which has received financial support from the Blaser Group.

Professor Hackländer, is the chamois population endangered?

That is precisely the question we want to answer and substantiate with facts in the research project "Chamois in Climate Change." As part of the three-year CIC research project, we are tagging chamois to find out how chamois populations react to climatic changes in the Alpine region. If necessary, we will then develop appropriate strategies to protect chamois and their alpine habitat.

So the chamois is in danger?

The trend suggests so, as evidenced by the predominantly declining numbers and populations. However, in many areas, we do not even know how many chamois there are, as the EU member states are not fulfilling their counting obligations. This is a basic prerequisite for a responsible and sustainable management.

Is Germany also in default?

Unfortunately, yes. The Fauna-Flora-Habitat Directive (FFH) expressly stipulates that the wild animal species listed in Annex 5, which includes chamois, may only be managed if it is ensured that this management does not jeopardize the favorable conservation status of the population. When chamois are hunted intensively in some areas, even though there is insufficient information about the population, it easily gives the impression that the aim is to banish this species from the alpine habitat altogether.

Because protecting the forest is prioritized?

Caring for the forest, whether as a protective forest or as a CO₂ reservoir, is justified. But the question is, do we really need to reduce populations to the extent that is happening in some areas? In order to make appropriate decisions about sustainable management, it is therefore important to learn more about chamois populations. Hunters often play an important role in this. Without them, we would have no idea how chamois are faring in many areas. They also support us in tagging wild animals.

How are chamois populations responding to rising temperatures?

There is no clear data yet, as chamois encounter very different living conditions within their range. The chamois in the Southern Alps are already under a lot of stress due to the hot summers, while the chamois in the Central Alps still have to cope with a lot of snow. Basically, chamois seem to be very flexible in their adaptation. They either climb higher or move their ranges to lower-lying areas.

What are the consequences of this?

Both strategies pose different, new challenges. When chamois move up to higher altitudes, they are disturbed by the growing number of summer tourists. The development of higher-altitude areas associated with the construction of wind turbines or solar power plants makes it easier to travel there by e-bike at the same time.

And further down?

This leads to the already familiar conflicts between forests and wildlife. As part of the research project, however, we are not only investigating the shifts in habitat but can also assess the condition of the wild animals, for example how their fitness is developing. This also shows whether the new habitat is permanently suitable for the chamois. By living in herds, we also obtain more meaningful information than if we were to observe individual animals exclusively.

Does the tracking reveal any surprising results?

Absolutely. Even hunters who know their hunting grounds very well sometimes find that their resident game is also classified as resident game by their neighbors. Thanks to the transmitters, we also learn what the chamois are doing and how they react to disturbances, for example from ski tourers. By working together, we are becoming smarter!

What impact would the long-term disappearance of chamois have on the alpine habitat?

Even though it is not an essential species for the habitat, the chamois is certainly a characteristic species for the alpine habitat. That's why I'm convinced that we would all miss it. This is another reason why it will be important for all users of this natural area to take a back seat in the future in order to leave the chamois its habitat.