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Mammal✓ Protected species

Ibex / Chamois

Capra ibex / Rupicapra rupicapra

✓What to do NOW

  1. 1Maintain a safe distance — they are much faster and more agile than they appear
  2. 2Call the Carabinieri Forestali (1515) or the competent National/Regional Park
  3. 3Document the location and photograph from a safe distance
  4. 4If injured on a road: report to Traffic Police and wait for authorities
  5. 5Do not attempt containment without specialist staff — capture myopathy stress can be lethal as with cervids

✗NEVER do this

  • ✗Do not approach — ibex horns are dangerous weapons
  • ✗Do not attempt independent rescue
  • ✗Do not feed
  • ✗Do not touch without gloves: zoonosis transmission (brucellosis, mange) is possible

⚠ Important note

The Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) is one of Italy's conservation symbols: extinct in the Alps in the 19th century, successfully reintroduced from Gran Paradiso. The Apennine chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata) is endemic to the central Apennines with ~2,500 individuals — every specimen counts. Alpine ungulates injured on roads are almost always the responsibility of the Park or Provincial Police. Call before taking any action.

⚖ Legal protection

The Alpine ibex is protected by Law 157/1992. The Apennine chamois is protected by the Habitats Directive (Annexes II and IV). Both are managed by the competent National Parks.

Also known as

Alpine ibexAlpine chamoisApennine chamoismountain goat

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