Mammals
Chamois
Rupicapra rupicapra · also called chamois goat-antelope
Leaping nearly two metres straight up before sprinting down a rock face at close to fifty kilometres an hour, a chamois has spent so long shaping human use of its hide that its name became the word for the soft leather itself.
Overview
The chamois, Rupicapra rupicapra, is a mountain-dwelling goat-antelope native to major European mountain ranges including the Alps, Pyrenees, and Carpathians. Its extraordinary jumping ability, hooked horns present on both sexes, and enduring connection to chamois leather make it one of the most culturally recognizable mountain mammals found anywhere in Europe.
Built for vertical terrain
Every part of the chamois, from its gripping, cushioned hooves to its explosive jumping power, has been shaped by a life spent almost entirely on steep, unstable ground where a single misstep could be fatal.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians, and other major European mountain ranges.
Chamois: common questions
How high can a chamois jump?
This species can leap nearly two metres vertically from a standing position, an impressive feat of agility suited to navigating the steep, broken terrain of its alpine mountain habitat.
Where does chamois leather get its name?
This species lent its name to chamois leather, a soft, absorbent material traditionally made from its hide and still widely used today for cleaning and polishing.
Do both male and female chamois have horns?
Yes, this species has short, hooked horns that curve sharply backward near the tip, present on both males and females year-round.
How does the chamois avoid predators on steep mountain slopes?
This species can run at speeds approaching fifty kilometres per hour on steep terrain, combined with hooves that grip rock securely, allowing it to outpace most predators that attempt to follow it into rugged ground.