Mammal Vulnerable

Cantabrian Chamois

Rupicapra pyrenaica parva

Mammal

Type

Parks

Vulnerable

Status

About the species

The Cantabrian chamois is the most agile ungulate in the Asturian parks. Its ability to move with astonishing speed across rocky, precipitous terrain makes it one of the most fascinating animals of the high mountain. Populations are stable thanks to decades of protection.

Habitat

Rocky areas and high-mountain grasslands above 1,200 m, though it may descend in winter. Requires steep terrain with good visibility for predator detection.

The acrobat of the crags

The Cantabrian chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica parva) is the smallest subspecies of the Rupicapra genus and one of three recognised on the Iberian Peninsula, alongside the Pyrenean chamois and the isard. In Asturias, the most important populations are found in the Ponga, Redes and Ubiñas-La Mesa parks.

Physical characteristics

It weighs between 15 and 35 kg and stands about 65–80 cm at the shoulder. Both sexes have horns, curved backwards at the tip — the characteristic “hook”. In summer the coat is reddish-brown; in winter, almost black with white markings on the face.

Behaviour and sociability

For most of the year it lives in groups separated by sex. Females form family herds with their young; males are solitary or gather in small bachelor groups. Both sexes only mix during the rut in November–December.