Foraging behaviour of adult female apennine chamois in relation to seasonal variation in food supply

We tested the prediction that qualitative and quantitative seasonal variations of food resources influenced the foraging behaviour and efficiency of Apennine chamois, Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata (Neuman, 1899). In summer, where the abundance and diversity of food resources were greater, we found a greater rate of food intake and a reduced search for food, as well as lower aggressiveness, than in the autumn. Furthermore in summer the median group size of grazing chamois was greater than in the autumn, in accordance with the availability of rich, but concentrated, food resources in the former season. No seasonal difference intime devoted to foraging was found. Apparently, the Apennine chamois maximize food intake during summer to compensate for later shortages in the colder season.