Case study
Genetic adaptation of Northern chamois ecotypes to climate change and habitat loss
Scientists from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Slovenia investigate the genomes of Northern chamois ecotypes to learn more about their adaptive genetic variation and evaluate the resilience of populations in the face of environmental change.
Genetic adaptation of Northern chamois ecotypes to climate change and habitat loss
Author: Dragan Gačić, University of Banja Luka – Faculty of Forestry.
In April 2024, a team of researchers from three countries launched a collaborative project under the BGE-ERGA umbrella entitled “Genetic adaptation of Northern chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) ecotypes to climate change and habitat loss: A case study on the endangered subspecies of Balkan chamois (R. r. balcanica)”. A team of experts from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Slovenia led by Prof. Dr. Dragan Gačić is involved in this project, which is based at the University of Banja Luka – Faculty of Forestry.
This case study will focus on the adaptive genetic variation observed in different ecotypes of the Northern chamois, with a special emphasis on the subspecies R. r. balcanica, the Balkan chamois, which occupies central and southern Dinaric Mts. Recently, the species has been declining in Alpine and Dinaric areas and is sensitive to global increases in temperatures. The Balkan chamois occupies mountainous regions of the nine countries of the Balkan Peninsula, and in all these countries, populations are small and isolated. This subspecies is exposed to many threats as follows: i) Shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns, ii) Habitat fragmentation and anthropogenic disturbances, iii) Hybridisation due to translocation of individuals of different subspecies.
This project brings together researchers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Slovenia in a collaborative effort to understand the adaptive genetic variation of the endangered Balkan chamois to support its conservation. Photo by: Bojan Paprica.
Photo by: Bojan Paprica
The primary goal of the project is to detect and understand hybridisation events/risks within selected populations, evaluate the resilience of populations in the face of environmental change, and comprehend the factors that influence their potential to persist and adapt. By utilising resequencing data, we can estimate the loss of genetic diversity and inbreeding resulting from population declines and fragmentation, which directly impact population fitness.
In this study, we plan to incorporate samples/populations of Northern chamois from five different countries. Specifically, four countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro) will contribute samples of the Balkan chamois. Additionally, Slovenia will provide samples of the Alpine chamois for comparative analysis. Furthermore, within Croatia, we intend to include a population located in the established artificial hybridisation zone of both chamois subspecies. Altogether, 120 samples will be included in the study.
Photo by: Stefan Maglić
Stakeholders from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia will be involved in interpretation and dissemination of results. The Hunting days meeting and workshops will be organised in collaboration with national parks and hunting organisations at international level, and separate training activities will be organized regarding hybridisation and the reintroduction action plan.
Insights from this project will be essential for effective conservation, adjusting the management, and consequently, ensuring the long-term survival of Balkan chamois and other chamois subspecies. Stay tuned for more updates on our findings!
Header image: The Balkan chamois in their natural habitat: climate change and habitat loss are some of the factors that threaten these high-mountain dwellers. Photo by: Željko Sekulić.
