6318-Chamois 32cm.H

Chamois

Description The chamois, which originated from the mountains of Europe, is a huge stocky mountain goat with short backward-curved horns, thick fur, black stripe along its back, and white face with markings below its eyes that are colored black. Both males and females have horns, and the coat of this animal changes from brown (summer) to grey during the winter season. At present, they inhabit Romania, Austria, Italy, Turkey, and Switzerland. Additionally, they have been introduced to South Island in New Zealand. They can move at speeds of up to 31 miles an hour even on rough terrains. Aside from their agility, they are also known for their excellent jumping ability. They can jump up to 6.6 feet high and at a distance of 20 feet. The Chamois is classified as herbivorous, and its diet typically consists of grass, leaves, flowers, lichen, herbs, and moss. Males are solitary and only meet with females during the breeding season, while females and young ones live together in herds. They mate during the late winter to early spring season, and the gestation period lasts for 5 to 6 months. Most of the time, females give birth to a single calf, but at other times, they give birth to two babies. Calves depend on the milk of their mothers until they reach 6 months, and normally stay close to their mothers for a year. The females stay within the herd, while male calves leave when they reach 2 to 3 years old. In their natural habitat, their predators are foxes, wolves, and wildcats. When there is an upcoming danger, they make high-pitched noises and stomp their feet to warn other members of their herd.

Status According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the chamois is listed as Least Concern. Although there are no significant threats that put this species at risk for extinction, they are vulnerable to hunting, loss of habitat, diseases, and reduced availability of food because of competition with livestock.