We studied the dynamic of nine populations of Alpine ibex ( Capra ibex ibex ) in five protected areas. We showed a strong effect of age on demographic parameters, with a marked decrease of survival after 10-12 years of age. We also found a high variability of old females' reproduction between populations. Contrary to what is expected for a highly dimorphic species like ibex, males survived as well as females except for old individuals. Winter harshness had a negative impact on survival of old individuals but not on reproduction and survival of young. We conclude that ibex have evolved a highly conservative life-history tactic compared to other ungulates studied to now. From a management viewpoint we also showed that under some circumstances ground counts might provide reliable estimates of ibex population trends.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:usherbrooke.ca/oai:savoirs.usherbrooke.ca:11143/5089 |
| Date | January 2008 |
| Creators | Largo, Émilie |
| Contributors | Festa-Bianchet, Marco, Gaillard, Jean-Michel |
| Publisher | Université de Sherbrooke |
| Source Sets | Université de Sherbrooke |
| Language | French |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thèse |
| Rights | © Émilie Largo |
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