Climate and Vegetation Characteristics of Ibex Habitats in the European Alps

Abstract

This paper is a synopsis of the macroclimate and vegetation characteristics of ibex (Capra ibex L.) habitat in the European Alps. The largest ibex populations are found in xeric inner alpine valleys that receive very little precipitation during the months of gestation (from December toJune). Snowfall rates are also low and the duration of cover is limited. The insolation is high throughout the year. This sub-mediterranean climate is favourable for ibex, but too few populations are found here to assess population perform- ance. Ibex prefer thermophile and xerophile vegetation in an open mountain landscape and they spend most of the year in the timberline ecotone and in the lower alpine belt. The timberline ecotone represents a siliceous substrate and a great abundance of dwarf shrub heaths with relatively high productivity. Other ibex habitats include xeric grasslands, ripicolous and scree communities, and vegetated areas in avalanche paths as well as open forests. A hypothesis is presented on the effects of deforestation on ibex habitat; the open landscape has been extended in a downslope direction where a wider variety of plant communities with higher productivity occurs. Because of the preference of the ibex for open landscape, deforestation may have extended the habitat, thus providing the animals access to an increased forage supply.