Ecology of alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex, Linnaeus 1758) in relation to management actions in the Marmolada massif, Italy

摘要: An effective management or conservation of a species passes through the acquisition deep scientific based knowledge its life history, population dynamic and ecological needs, as well an objective evaluation results obtained. In optic adaptive management, in fact, we can “learn by doing”, therefore it is necessary to provide actions made. When managing population, decisions should be taken considering general natural history species, but keeping mind that distinct populations same may differ significantly behavior, dynamics resource selection, need further investigations. This thesis dealt with several aspects ecology alpine ibex (Capra ibex, Linnaeus 1758) Marmolada massif, located Eastern Italian Alps (Dolomites, 46°26'13'' N; 11°51'54''E). This peculiar because was affected epizootic sarcoptic mange, experiencing severe decline, loss about 3/5 individuals, object different interventions monitoring programs. As result, significant proportion marked and/or equipped radio device, followed for 7 years. 2003-2006 regularly surveyed transects on foot radiotracking. 2004, veterinarian intervention took place: mangy ibexes were captured treated parasiticide ivermectin. 2006-2007, 14 male translocated group, frame restocking program. Regular tagged animals colony went up 2009. The large amount data collected gave me opportunity broaden this test effectiveness adopted. aim were: furnish useful suggestion increasing quality, increase range extent, spatial behavior selection colony,to first insight consequence mange epizootic, evaluate consequences translocations behavior. I firstly investigated demography and, provided critical assessment survey method used Marmolada. Ground counts likely underestimates size, improved performing replicates recording identities sighted able perform CMR estimations. then examined pattern age sex specific survival rates using techniques, testing factors linked crash, including epidemic peak, winter harshness effect ivermectin treatments. expected, I found strong impact demonstrated sharp decrease both sexes all classes during 2003-2004, higher mortality rate senescent males, while high following Winter did not seem crucial explaining ibexes, due confounding effects severity, which are difficult disentangle, especially relatively short term set. The second part deals shaping space occupancy habitat focused adaptation process new area ibexes. described exhibited adult resident males computing their home ranges examining environmental shaped ranging Ibexes showed stability little variations size across years seasons, thought they confined smaller area, response snowpack depth. A inverse relation between percentage grassland inside it, indicating availability preferred resources one main influencing behaviour. Grassland fact positively selected throughout years, testified analyses conducted at yearly seasonal level. compared scales. At II order level relocated individuals those males. result probably exploratory movement made environment create own map surrounding, larger extent occupied ones. However, no differences III level, within resources. These needed even two conclude explorative movements, settle down comparable fully associate them. Individual heterogeneity behaviour played important role length process, social behavior: our analysis indicate settlement coincide increased association confirms least three longer, investigate interaction, better understand influence process. In conclusion, highlighted importance conducting long-term program assess suggest behavioural studies improve wild ungulates.