Population evolution of Cantabrian chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica parva) with sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei) in centre-eastern Asturias (northwest Spain)

Abstract

We analyze the evolution of a Cantabrian chamois population affected by sarcoptic mange over a twelve-year period, from 1991 to 2002. This population is spread out over 83,000 ha and has reached an average density of 12.3 chamois/100 ha. The epidemic appeared an 1993, however the population continued to increase until 1995, after which it began to decrease reaching its minimum in 2001. Currently there are 35.9% of the specimens that were in evidence in 1995. The annual variation of population in sectors affected by sarcoptic mange was considerable, with maximum losses between 30-48%. The heaviest losses occurred between the first and the third year after the epidemic entered the area. Five or six years after the beginning of the epidemic, the population stablilized at a density level of 4.1-6.4 specimens/100 ha.