The chamois is so important to this region that it is the symbol of the Tatras National Park. The population which is found in the Western, Belianske and Low Tatras is a subspecies unique to the region and known as the Tatra Mountain Chamois. Both sexes have curved, hooked horns and a distinctive black facial stripe.
The habitat of this chamois is in alpine meadows in steep rocky terrain above 1700 metres. It rarely drops below the tree line unlike other alpine chamois. There are less than 200 of these wonderful animals left, concentrated in the Belianske and Western Tatras where there is an excellent chance to spot them.
Older males live alone, while females and their young form small herds. The mating season is in November, and in May and June single young are born. The main predator of the chamois is the lynx.
Despite year-round protection measures, the number of chamois within the Tatras National Parks (“TANAP”) remains critical although constant with encouraging signs of growth in recent years.
Fast Facts
Type: Mammal
Diet: Herbivore
Average lifespan in the wild: 20 years
Size: Head and body, 100 to 130 cm; Tail 7 – 8 cm
Weight: 24 – 36 kg
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