Chamois Genomic Project

Phase I (2017-2021) : Predicting the genetic consequences of climate change on Chamois populations (Rupicapra rupicapra) in the Alps

Landscape history and heterogeneity plays a central role in shaping ecological and evolutionary processes. Understanding spatial and temporal variation in landscape and genetic connectivity among populations has direct conservation implications. In this project, we will sample populations of R. rupicapra across the Alpine massif and genotype them using a ddRAD-​sequencing approach. We will investigate the historical and contemporary factors shaping genetic variation within and among populations.

People involved

• Loïc Pellissier (Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems at ETH Zurich and at WSL, Zürich, Suisse)

with

• Thibaut Capblancq (University of Vermont, Burlington, USA)

• Thomas Broquet (CNRS, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Univ. Sorbonne, France)

And Many people involved in the sampling in France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Czech Republic.

Students involved

Flurin Leugger (2019-2020) - Habitat Suitability Dynamics and Dispersal Capability Predict Genetic Structure of Northern Chamois (Rupicapra Rupicapra) across the Alps. co-supervised with Loïc Pellissier, ETH Zurich

Julie Roques (2021) - Genomic study of chamois populations throughout the Alpine Arc for their conservation and management.

Amélie Hoste (2021) - Assessing climate‐associated genetic variation in the Northern chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) across the Alps. co-supervised with Thibaut Capblanc, University of Vermont

Publications related to the project

• Hoste A, Capblancq T, Broquet T, Denoyelle L, Perrier C, Buzan EV,  Šprem N, Corlatti L, Crestanello B, Hauffe HC, Pellissier L, Yannic G. 2024. Projection of current and future distribution of adaptive genetic units in an alpine ungulate. Heredity 132, 54-66

• Leugger F, Broquet T, Karger DK, Rioux D, Buzan E, Corlatti L, Crestanello B, Curt-Grand-Gaudin N, Hauffe HC, Rolečková B, Šprem N, Tissot N, Tissot S, Valterová R, Yannic G, Pellissier L. 2022. Dispersal and habitat dynamics shape the genetic structure of the Northern chamois in the Alps. Journal of Biogeography 49, 1848–1861

Outreach

La structure génétique cachée du chamois à travers les Alpes (here)

Phase II (2025): The Chartreuse Chamois: Unraveling a Genetic Mystery

The Chartreuse chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra cartusiana) is a unique subspecies found only in the Chartreuse massif of the French Pre-Alps. Recognizable by its robust build, dark winter coat, and flattened horns, this chamois holds high conservation and cultural value. Yet, its genetic status remains puzzling: mitochondrial DNA links it to distant chamois populations in the Apennines and Pyrenees, while nuclear DNA clearly aligns it with the Alpine chamois.

Our project seeks to uncover the origins of this genetic puzzle by combining modern genomic analyses with ancient DNA from fossil and museum collections. By studying both maternal (mitochondrial) and bi-parental (nuclear) genetic markers, we aim to reconstruct the population’s evolutionary history and assess its genetic uniqueness.

This innovative approach is rarely applied to Alpine ungulates and provides a window into evolutionary processes such as hybridization, introgression, and phylogenetic incongruence. Beyond advancing scientific knowledge, the project has direct conservation implications: understanding the Chartreuse chamois’ genetic makeup will guide sustainable management practices, inform monitoring strategies, and help preserve this emblematic species for future generations.

By integrating cutting-edge genomics with historical data, we aim to bridge the gap between fundamental research and applied conservation, highlighting the Chartreuse chamois as a living symbol of mountain biodiversity and heritage.

People involved

• Christophe Griggo (Laboratoire Edytem, Université Savoie Mont Blanc)

• Mike Martin (Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway)

• Muséum Requien, Avignon

• Parc naturel régional de Chartreuse

• Fédérations Départementales des Chasseurs de la Savoie et de l'Isère