The reintroduction of Apennine chamois in the Majella National Park: An evaluation of long-term results

Reintroductions are a fundamental tool in wildlife management and conservation. Monitoring and reporting are crucial for establishing protocols for threatened species. Here we report the full translocation process of the very first reintroduction of the Apennine chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata) ever made that took place in Majella National Park (Central Apennines, Italy) with the release of 22 females and 18 males in 1991–2006 period. We described the pre and post release methodologies, the population and distribution dynamics, and the present status and structure of the population. Through systematic monitoring, we assessed the increase in distribution range (from 7.9 km2 in 2000 up to 23.9 km2 in 2022 for females with kids). Considering a time span of 25 years, the population now exceeds 1300 individuals and still shows a growing trend. Quite large mixed groups (up to > 200 individuals) are frequently seen while the largest male-only group ever seen thus far numbered 71 individuals. Overall sex ratio MM:FF reached 1.1, while the birth rate decreased from 0.70 to 0.80 in early 2010′s to 0.35–0.55 in 2021–2022, showing a potential density dependence effect and highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring to identify potential limiting factors to habitat suitability or carrying capacity of reintroduced populations.