From its scientific name Capra Ibex, the Alpine ibex is recognizable by its two large rounded horns on its head. In France, it lives mainly in the national parks of Mercantour, Vanoise and Écrins, but it is also found in Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and even Liechtenstein. The animal, which usually lives during the day, has shown different behavior in recent years, arousing the interest of scientists.
In a study entitled “Search for temporal refuges in case of thermal stress: increase in nocturnal activity despite the risk of predation” and published by the Royal Societythe seven co-authors analyzed forty-seven Alpine ibex present in two protected areas. They found that bovids, usually diurnal, were increasingly living at night. The animal, following the increase in temperatures, is in search of freshness and therefore becomes active once the sun sets, when the thermostat drops.
«Global warming may expose animals to new or increased environmental challenges such as higher predation risk or loss of foraging efficiency.we can read in the study. “Behavioral adaptations represent the most rapid responses of animals to environmental stressors,” explain the researchers, who studied the species over ten years, from 2006 to 2019.
More vulnerable to the wolf
“These temperature changes are causing an overall increase in nocturnal activity in many mammal species,” and this is not without consequences for the survival of the species. The Alpine ibex is an animal living in a rocky environment, in the mountains. Good perception of its environment is necessary for it to move and look for food easily. At night, all this is more complex to do, making it more vulnerable, particularly to its predators, such as wolves.
And, they have XIXe century, the ibex was no longer present in the Southern Alps and almost disappeared completely, “the protection of the species in these areas and numerous reintroduction campaigns have enabled it to recolonize part of its initial distribution area”, indicates the protected Mercantour National Park. In this park for example, the population is estimated at 1,800 individuals in 2021, compared to only 30 in 1979. Since 1981, the species has been protected in France and is no longer threatened with extinction according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. nature (IUCN).
Source: www.slate.fr
