In 2022, more chamois were counted in the Bavarian Alps than in the previous two years. As reported by the Bavarian State Forests, 2,060 animals were sighted at around 100 observation points last year. In 2021 there were still 1,873 chamois, after 1,654 animals in 2020.
Second year in a row more chamois
The increase is an indication that the chamois are doing well and that their population is stable, explains Reinhardt Neft, head of the Bavarian State Forests, in a statement. Even if the numbers represent only a fraction of the real population size, he is pleased that more chamois have been seen for the second year in a row. “At the same time, we must not lose sight of the concerns of the mountain forest.”
The employees of the seven mountain forest companies counted the animals in the summer months. The Swiss wildlife biologist Flurin Filli supports the long-term monitoring by scientifically accompanying the counts. The aim is to document the stock over time to see how the chamois are doing.
Meaningful interpretations of the results probably in 2025
The numbers published on Friday from Regensburg are the first results. The Bavarian State Forests expect the first meaningful interpretations of the results in 2025. The chamois is considered the symbolic animal of the Alps. According to the state forests, it has been living mainly in the Alps and in the high mountains of Europe for thousands of years.
Chamois are good climbers
According to the information, chamois feel particularly comfortable in rocky regions above the tree line, are characterized by a good sense of sight and smell and excellent climbing skills. Downhill, the animals can reach speeds of up to 45 kilometers per hour. They find food on alpine pastures, preferring grass, herbs, moss, pine needles and young trees or their buds.
With information from dpa and AFP