This was stated by biologist and researcher at the Higher Polytechnic School of Huesca, Juan Herrero, who specializes in Pyrenean fauna.
Biologist and researcher at the Huesca Polytechnic School, Juan Herrero, who specializes in Pyrenean fauna, has stated that the chamois (known in Alto Aragón as sarrio) is currently being affected by the Pestivirus, a disease caused by a virus that is spreading from east to west across the mountain range and is significantly reducing its population.
The biologist explained that this disease arrived in 2011 from Catalonia and has already reached the Monte Perdido Massif. It causes a 30 percent mortality rate and is a little-known natural disease.
In these cases, intervention consists of describing what is happening and counting the affected specimens, since, as they are natural, "they are not usually treated." Chamois counts will be conducted in June, July, and November, and authorized hunting quotas will be adjusted based on the observed incidence.
The chamois population in the Huesca Pyrenees currently numbers nearly 11,000, according to the specialist, who has specified that this circumstance will influence aspects of the species' management.
Herrero is one of the speakers at the technical workshops on chamois, which began last Thursday in Boltaña and will continue on the 26th in Jaca. The workshops are organized by the Government of Aragon, in collaboration with the University of Zaragoza and the Pyrenean Institute of Ecology.
Around one hundred people are participating, including nature protection agents from Aragon, wardens from the public company Sociedad Aragonesa de Gestión Agroambiental (SARGA), wardens from the Ribagorza region, and forestry agents from the Navarre Regional Government. This activity aims to update the training of these professionals.
Fountain::
Europapress
Property Images:
Infopirineo