Ticino: Chamois population collapses in popular hiking area

In Ticino, the chamois is the most coveted quarry of hobby hunters.

For at least a decade, animal welfare advocates have been pointing to a rapid decline in populations. According to scientific expertise, chamois, foxes and the like do not require an annual slaughter by hobby hunters. But these amateurs have no respect for living creatures or nature.

The situation in the Gambarogno/Tamaro/Lema area is exceptionally alarming. In this area, shots from hobby hunters outside the hunting season are heard repeatedly. Tourists hoping to spot wildlife instead encounter surly hobby hunters dressed in military clothing.

The entire area has allegedly been monitored since 2004 along 12 fixed routes by the Office for Hunting and Lies in Bellinzona.

Twice a year, the routes are surveyed at the same time of year to carry out a total count of chamois across the entire area.

The results of the chamois counts (Censiti) and kills (Catture) are presented below by the Office for Hunting and Lies .

To better ensure species protection, the cantonal government has now finally suspended chamois hunting in the Gambarogno-Tamaro-Lema area – introducing a 3-year moratorium!