Reintroduction of Balkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica Bolkay, 1925) in Vitosha Nature Park

Abstract

In 2002 a program for reintroduction of Balkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica Bolkay, 1925) started in Vltosha Nature Park. At the beginning, an aclimatization enclosure was constructed covering about 0.3 km suitable habitats at 1,450-1,600 m a.s.l. Capturing of chamois started in 2003 and various techniques have been used. Between 2003 and 2009 altogether 27 chamois have been transported to acclimatisation endosure from four different localities in the Rodopi Mountains. Altogether 33 kids have been registered born in Vitosha NP. In 2006 first 9 chamois were released in me wild followed by a group of 6 animals in 2008 and 3 in 2009 in total 18 chamois. We have registered 21-25 cases of mortality due to: diseases 1 (4.5%), feral dogs/wolf9 (40%), antagonistic behaviour 1 (4.5%), falling from a rock 1 (4.5%), unknown reasons 9-13 (43%-50%). Average of about 15% a year but high mortality in the enclosure 14 cases 8 (57%) of, hem are caused by feral dog. In order to minimize me risk of illegal hunting me following actions have been undertaken: meetings with local communities (especially hunters) around the border of the pack; direct involvement of students. Volunteers and local hunters in reintroductioni publication of articles and interviews in the media; regular monitoring of me released animals and those in the enclosure. Monitoring of the herd released in me wild (outside of me enclosure) has been carried out since: 2007. One GPS-GSM collar has been wed as well as VHF transmitters and direct observations. In the beginning of 2010 the number of chamois, in me wild is 16-19 and 13 animal, are still kept in me enclosure. The number of chamois in the park by the end of 2009 is 28-32.