Chamois in Pyrenees

Chamois in an alpine meadow in Puigmal, in the Ripollés county.

The chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) is one of the most beautiful animals in the Pyrenees. Both males and females have horns, although they are larger in males. Its size is a 80cm(2,6 feet) at the shoulder and 30kg(66lb)weight. They are very agile animals, capable of moving quickly on steep slopes, be they grass, rocks or snow. It is present in both the Pyrenees and the Pre-Pyrenees. In recent years, some wandering males have been observed in the Montserrat area (outside the Pyrenees), originating from areas close to the pre-Pyrenees such as Solsonés and Berguedà.

Chamois jumping nimbly.

Alpine meadows are their favorite habitat, but they also visit subalpine forests, especially in winter, where due to the seasonal shortage of herbaceous plants, they also feed on more woody leaves and vegetables.

Frontal view of chamois.

Rhododendron in the pyrenees

Chamois in the Bonaigua

Chamois herds in the Pyrenees

Reproduction of the chamois

Chamois in the Cadí rocks

Mouflon in the pyrenees

Fog in La Noguera viewed from Montsec

Griffon vulture in the Pyrenees

View ofl Pallars Jussa

Winter in the Bonaiga pass