Habitat use by the Balkan Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica) in the Rodopi Mountain Range

Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica) occurs in the Greek territory of the Rodopi mountain range, mainly in two areas: a) in the Virgin forest of Frakto, in the prefecture of Drama, and b) in the region of Koula, in the prefectures of Drama and Xanthi. Population size in the former area is estimated at 70-80 individuals, which use a habitat of 20 km2, while in the latter area the population size is estimated at 20-30 individuals and the used habitat by the chamois 53 km2. The habitat of the two populations includes mainly mixed forest of beech (Fagus sp.), norway spruce (Picea abies), fir (Abies borisii-regis), scotch pine (Pinus silvestris) and oak (Quercus sp.). The two populations show preference for upland pastures with rocky formations, which are restricted in the area but of vital importance for the survival of the species. The two populations possibly have no communication between them. In this paper, the preference of chamois for the various landscape and vegetation cover parameters, as well as the management measures that are necessary for the connectivity of the two populations are being analysed and discussed.