Jagdreise -

(Rupicapra rupicapra)

The chamois is a goat-antelope species native to Europe and Asia Minor. With live weights reaching up to 40 kg, they can achieve shoulder heights of up to 85 cm. Distinctive features for both sexes include the hooked horns (called Krucken) and the coat, which transitions from a pale yellow to yellowish-gray with a black dorsal stripe in summer to a dark gray or black in winter. In their winter coat, the bucks grow dorsal hair up to 25 cm long with light-colored tips (Reif), which is used to make the traditional Gamsbart.

The main areas of distribution are the Alps, but good populations are also found in other European mountain ranges stretching from Spain to Bulgaria, as well as in New Zealand. Depending on the subspecies and region, chamois live at altitudes ranging from 700 m (so-called forest chamois or Waldgams) to over 3,000 m.

The hinds (ewes) live with their kids in small herds of about 15 to 30 individuals. When danger threatens, they emit a whistling warning sound. The bucks are mostly solitary for the majority of the year, joining the hinds during the rut (mid-November to mid-December).

The chamois is an exceptional climber and possesses an excellent sense of sight, hearing, and smell.