Wildlife in the Alps: Spotlight on the Chamois

The chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) is one of the most iconic wildlife species of the Alps and it is quite easy to recognize them. Their short black horns have a very characteristic shape: they are curved backwards. Males, as well as females, have these unique horns. Another distinctive characteristic is the markings on their head. A chamois has a white colored face with two pronounced black strips running from the eyes towards the nose and a white line running down the center of the chamois’ face. Personally, I think these stripes give this animal a bit of a cheeky look!

Observe a chamois from above

To see these facial markings, you need to get up close, but chamois are quite shy and tend to run away as soon as they spot a hiker. However, they are known to look for danger coming from below. So, if you’re hiking in the Alps and spot a chamois from above, you’re more likely to observe the animal without being seen yourself.   

Where to spot them?

The best time of the day to spot a chamois is early in the morning or early in the evening. In summer you have a good chance of seeing them above the treeline, grazing in an alpine meadow or agilely running across a steep scree slope. However, they spend lots of their time in the forest. Especially during cold and snowy winter months these ungulates seek the protection of the forest where they search for food such as shoots, lichen and mosses.

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Simone van Velzen

In her work as an alpine naturalist Simone adds an exciting new dimension to your Tour du Mont Blanc trek with insights into the incredibly rich flora and fauna of the Alps. Simone studied Wildlife Management at the Van Hall Institute in the Netherlands. After her studies she left her home country (which is flatter than a pancake) and moved to British Columbia. In the Canadian Rockies, she discovered the astonishing richness of mountain environments. Her passion for mountain nature was born. And when she returned to Europe, she based herself in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the perfect setting for exploring and studying the natural history of mountain environments. As an alpine naturalist she writes for outdoor magazines and leads excursions in the natural world.

If you step into the natural world with Simone, her passion for all living things—wild flowers to lichen, birds to mammals—can’t help but rub off on you. She’s excited to meet you on your Tour du Mont Blanc and share the amazing natural wonders in the Alps.

Latest posts by Simone van Velzen (see all)

• The Alps: A Biodiversity Treasure Trove - December 10, 2020
• Flora in the Alps – Spotlight on the Alpenrose - June 25, 2020
• Tour du Mont Blanc Hightlight: The Contamines-Montjoie Nature Reserve - May 21, 2020