Characteristics of the Iberian wild goat Capra pyrenaica hispánica of Madrona and Sierra Quintana (Spain). The success of private management

Abstract

The Real Club de Monteros, an association of Spanish hunters, has been supporting research on the Madrona Iberian wild goat. This is one of the least studied populations of Capra pyrenaica in Spain and was nearly exterminated from the Madrona range in the middle of the 20^th' century, when there were possibly less than 20 individuals. Our aim was to determine the distribution area of the goat, estimate its relative density and population structure, and detect possible threats to its conservation. Observations were concentrated during the rut in the years 2000 and 2001. Madrona wild goats are very wary of humans and very difficult to observe. Long flight distances and brief sightings have been recorded. Line transects were not feasible, so goat numbers were determined by the repeated counts method. The population structure differs according to the study areas as a result of its gradual dispersion. Continued poaching has reduced the average age of males and has seriously affected the older age classes.