CANTABRIAN CHAMOIS

The Cantabrian Chamois in Somiedo

The Cantabrian chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica parva) is one of the zoological jewels of Somiedo Natural Park. This subspecies, endemic to the Cantabrian Mountains, is one of the most exciting sightings for park visitors. Its agility on rocky terrain and its distinctive silhouette make it an iconic symbol of Cantabrian wildlife.

Characteristics of the Cantabrian Chamois

The Cantabrian chamois is somewhat smaller than the Alpine or Pyrenean chamois. Adults weigh between 20 and 35 kg, standing around 70–80 cm at the shoulder. Both sexes have horns with a vertical base that curves sharply backward at the tip, like a hook. Its coat varies with the seasons: in summer it is short and reddish-brown, while in winter it turns darker and thicker to withstand the low temperatures of high mountain terrain. A black stripe running from the muzzle to the eye is one of its most recognisable features.

Habitat in Somiedo

In Somiedo Natural Park, the chamois occupies high-mountain areas above 1,200 metres altitude, although in winter it may descend to lower elevations in search of food. Alpine grasslands, rocky outcrops and mountain beech and birch forests are its usual environment. The surroundings of the Lagos de Somiedo, the ridges encircling the Valle del Lago and mountain passes such as Puerto de Somiedo offer the highest chances of sighting.

Behaviour and Reproduction

The Cantabrian chamois is a gregarious animal whose social behaviour varies throughout the year. Females and their young form stable family groups, while adult males tend to be more solitary outside the rut. The rutting season takes place between November and December, when males compete actively for females by snorting and chasing each other across the steepest slopes. Births occur in spring, between May and June, with a single kid per female that is able to follow its mother over difficult terrain just a few hours after birth.

Diet

It is a herbivore specialised in mountain pastures. In summer it takes advantage of the abundance of grasses, wild flowers and high-altitude shrubs such as bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and heather (Calluna vulgaris). In winter, when snow covers the pastures, it supplements its diet with lichens, mosses, bark and dry leaves of deciduous trees. This adaptation allows it to survive in extreme climatic conditions without needing to migrate long distances.

Conservation Status

The Cantabrian chamois population is estimated at around 14,000–16,000 individuals distributed throughout the Cantabrian Mountains. Although the species is considered Near Threatened under IUCN criteria, its situation in Asturias is relatively stable thanks to the protection offered by spaces such as Somiedo Natural Park. The main threats are unregulated tourism pressure, emerging diseases such as sarcoptic mange — which has caused mortality events in some Cantabrian areas — and the impact of climate change on alpine ecosystems.

Where and When to Spot Chamois in Somiedo?

The best time to see chamois in Somiedo is at dawn and dusk during summer and autumn, when the animals come down to graze before the midday heat drives them to shadier terrain. The viewpoints overlooking Valle del Lago, the high-altitude grasslands around the Lagos de Somiedo and the area around Puerto de Somiedo are particularly recommended. Binoculars or a spotting scope are advised, and a minimum distance of 200 metres should be maintained to avoid stressing the animals, especially during the birthing season.