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Chamois are normally found at higher altitudes and adapted to live in rugged, steep rocky terrain. A mature chamois may reach the height of about 30 inches (75 cm) and may weigh up to 110 lb (50 kg). Both, male and female have short and straight horns which turn backwards at the tip and males have more curved and longer horns than their counterparts. The horns of the chamois grow only in summer, no growth of the horns in winters. Because of this reason, a ring is formed on the horns every season which can give an indication of the chamois' age. The color of the coat changes according to the season and is dark brown in summers and turns light gray in winters.
The distinct characteristics of a chamois are its white face and the black strips below its eyes, a black strip on the back, and a white rump.
In 1907, the Austrian Emperor, Franz Joseph 1 had gifted an Alpine Chamois to New Zealand and this is how chamois got their entry in New Zealand. First, they were released in Mount Crook/Aoraki region and then, gradually, they spread all over South Island. There is no restriction on hunting of chamois in New Zealand and in fact, it is encouraged to minimize their impact on the New Zealand's alpine flora.
Chamois are hunted all over the world for their tasty meat. They come out in search of food when it is cool, i.e. in the morning and at night and this trait is exploited by the hunters because of which chamois become an easy target of hunting. The mane at the back of their neck is used to decorate hats in the alpine countries. Chamois are also killed for their smooth and soft leather.
Picture of the chamois by Sfu, licensed under GFDL
The Chamois, northern chamois is listed as Least Concern (LR/lc), lowest risk. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category, on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Namings for the chamois
A young / baby of a chamois is called a 'calf'. The females are called 'doe' and males 'bull'. A chamois group is called a 'herd'.Countries
Albania, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Switzerland and TurkeySome facts about the
Chamois
Adult weight : 37.5 kg (82.5 lbs)
Maximum longevity : 18 years
Female maturity :674 days
Male maturity : 669 days
Gestation : 122 days
Weaning : 76 days
Litter size : 1
Litters per year : 1
Interval between litters : 365 days
Weight at birth : 2.4 kg (5.28 lbs)
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