The ecology of the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra L.) in an alpine basin in Southern Nelson

Abstract

Results from the study of chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra L.) in Cupola Basin, Southwest Nelson, are presented. Difficulty was experienced in sexing the chamois in the field with 235 occurrences out of 433 classed as unknown. Of the remainder, 22 per cent were males, 42 per cent females and 36 per cent were young (sex not determined). Herds in the southwest and northeast part of Cupola Basin show no significant difference in sex ratios. The sex ratios of chamois and red deer are not significantly different. Their daily activity may be divided into 73 per cent of the daylight hours spent in feeding, 17 per cent in sitting and ruminating, 5 per cent in playing and 5 per cent in moving. There is a morning and evening maximum of feeding which is associated with the sun altitude of 8 to 15 degrees. Activity for 3 hour periods throughout the day is given and compared with the red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) present in the area. Behaviour of the chamois is discussed. Habitat preferences for chamois are shown and compared with red deer. Chamois occurrences are highest on a Poa colensoi community. Chamois and red deer do not associate except in a small area of the Basin, where Poa colensoi and the preferred red deer habitat Danthonia flavescens is found growing in a mixed community. Determination of the food of chamois is by direct observation, occurrence of browsed vegetation and examination of stomach contents. The number of species of plants eaten is large but the bulk of the food is composed of gasses.