ANTHROPOGENIC TRANSFORMATION AND CONSERVATION PERSPECTIVES OF THE CHAMOIS POPULATION <i>(RUPICAPRA RUPICAPRA CAUCASICA) </i>IN THE NORTHWESTERN CAUCASUS
The scale of anthropogenic transformation of the Caucasian chamois population (Rupicapra rupicapra caucasica Lydekker 1910) is shown, a local grouping of chamois from the Lagonaki Plateau, northwest Caucasus taken as an example. A theoretical size of the distribution area of the local chamois grouping under study is established as covering 58 000 ha, the fodder capacity as 45 individuals per 1000 ha. At present the actual area of the habitat is about 20000 ha, having decreased over the last 100 years by 66%. Currently the density of the grouping does not exceed 5 individuals per 1000 ha, that is, 9 times lower than theoretically possible. No positive population dynamics is observed, despite the nature reserve status of the territory over the past 23 years. The chamois metapopulation structure is concluded to gradually grow simplified, while the prospects of a long-term conservation of the species in the northwestern Caucasus are under threat.