Fitness in herbivorous polygynous species is related both to body conditions and to secondary sexual traits. Ungulates therefore must balance resources between body size and antlers/horns growth. Here I described how some ecological factors affected the investment in body mass and horn length in Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra). Chamois horns grow mainly in the first years of life and their size can be deciding for future individual success. Therefore I analyzed the horn size variation in yearlings according to a large set of ecological variables, including for the first time also soil type (calcareous or siliceous). I found that there are many environmental and climatic factors able to modify horn length. Both sexes showed a high investment in horn grow in good conditions but females on siliceous soil and after harsher winter reduced this investment. Moreover I analyzed the reproductive strategy over time in male Alpine chamois and I showed that the reproductive investment increased with age by continuing to invest more energy after prime age. This strategy is in agreement with the terminal investment hypothesis. Finally I investigated which factors negatively affected the free access to resources for this species. I demonstrated for the first time how livestock and a wild non native ungulate (Ovis orientalis musimon) may force chamois to use sub-optimal meadows, negatively affecting the gain of a proper body size during summer due to reduction of feed intake.

Ecological factors affecting investment in body mass, and horns in the Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) / Chirichella, Roberta. - (2011 Jan 25).

Ecological factors affecting investment in body mass, and horns in the Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra)

CHIRICHELLA, Roberta
2011-01-25

Abstract

Fitness in herbivorous polygynous species is related both to body conditions and to secondary sexual traits. Ungulates therefore must balance resources between body size and antlers/horns growth. Here I described how some ecological factors affected the investment in body mass and horn length in Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra). Chamois horns grow mainly in the first years of life and their size can be deciding for future individual success. Therefore I analyzed the horn size variation in yearlings according to a large set of ecological variables, including for the first time also soil type (calcareous or siliceous). I found that there are many environmental and climatic factors able to modify horn length. Both sexes showed a high investment in horn grow in good conditions but females on siliceous soil and after harsher winter reduced this investment. Moreover I analyzed the reproductive strategy over time in male Alpine chamois and I showed that the reproductive investment increased with age by continuing to invest more energy after prime age. This strategy is in agreement with the terminal investment hypothesis. Finally I investigated which factors negatively affected the free access to resources for this species. I demonstrated for the first time how livestock and a wild non native ungulate (Ovis orientalis musimon) may force chamois to use sub-optimal meadows, negatively affecting the gain of a proper body size during summer due to reduction of feed intake.
25-gen-2011
Rupicapra rupicapra; body condition; horn size; reproductive strategy; competition
Ecological factors affecting investment in body mass, and horns in the Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) / Chirichella, Roberta. - (2011 Jan 25).
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
Chirichella_R_Ecological_factors_affecting_investment.pdf

accesso aperto

Tipologia: Altro materiale allegato
Licenza: Non specificato
Dimensione 4.55 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
4.55 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11388/251010
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus ND
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? ND
social impact