Movements of Alpine Ibex From the Alps, in the First Twelve Months, After They Release in the Parks of the Ecrins, Mercantour and Vercors

27 Mar Movements of Alpine Ibex From the Alps, in the First Twelve Months, After They Release in the Parks of the Ecrins, Mercantour and Vercors

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Abstract

English Abstract

About a hundred Alpine ibexes in total, marked with different procedures (earrings visible from a distance, V.H.F. transmitter collars and Argos beacons) were re-produced in the parks of Mercantour (38 individuals), Vercors (28 individuals) and
Boxes (28 individuals) between 1987 and 1990. They were provided by the Vanoise National Park (France) and the “Parco naturale Argentera (Italy). The 2025 locations obtained during of the first year of monitoring 44 animals released in 1989 showed (distances
observed maximum linear dispersion and areas of convex polygons): l. The great variation in individual behaviors of space occupation in each site, some individuals remaining in place, others moving away more than 46 linear km from the point of release (maximum reached, case of Mercantour). 2. The diversity of these behaviors according to the sites, the Mercantour offering the amplitude of greatest dispersion (“open” type relief with sedimentary rocks) and the Ecrins the lowest (“compact” type relief with crystalline rocks), the Vercors lying in intermediate position. 3. The major role of ridges which determine the orographic structure of landscapes in terms of orientation and dispersal of animals, the latter frequenting the majority steep rocky areas connected by this communication system. As a practical conclusion for future Alpine Ibex reintroduction projects, we can say that in a given region, the continuous network formed by mountain ridges can be used as a potential scheme for immediate dispersal of animals (first 12 months after release). This scheme can be established within a radius of at least 40 km linear for males and 30 km for females (indicative values