Re-introduction of Apennine chamois to the Gran Sasso-Laga National Park, Abruzzo, Italy

Summary

The Apennine chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata), a Vulnerable subspecies confined to fewer than 1,500 individuals in central-southern Italy after near-extermination during both World Wars, was reintroduced to Gran Sasso-Laga National Park, where the last wild chamois had been shot in 1892, a century before the park's 1992 founding. Following a 1990 IUCN-guideline feasibility study identifying about 8,000 hectares of suitable beech forest and alpine meadow habitat, researchers from the University of Siena and local park authorities darted and transferred chamois primarily from the source population in Abruzzo, Latium and Molise National Park, supplemented by captive-bred animals, using helicopter transport under narcosis and radio-collaring for post-release tracking. Between 1992 and 2001, three release phases moved a total of about 35 wild-caught and 22 captive-bred chamois; the first cohort in 1992, composed mostly of captive-born and very young animals, fared poorly, with only one wild-born female surviving to the next release, but subsequent 1993 and 1994 releases, which included more mature wild animals, formed three stable herds. From that point the population grew steadily at 23% annually, reaching an estimated 340 animals across 10 viable herds by 2008, restoring the chamois as prey for wolves, golden eagles and brown bears in the ecosystem. Major difficulties included securing long-term monitoring funding and obtaining sufficient wild reproducers. The project rates itself Highly Successful, crediting rapid population growth, full colonization of suitable habitat, and restoration of the local trophic chain.