The near extinction of the ibex in Serre Chevalier
Whilst hiking in the Ecrins Massif National Park in France, cast an eye up the slopes and you may spot a chamois or Ibex. Consider yourself lucky if you do, as this wonderful creature could have easily become extinct just a few years ago.
Interestingly despite a previously big population the ibex became virtually extinct in this area less than 200 years ago.
This was due to a number of reasons.
- Its meat was valuable food (just as the plentiful marmots, which would be dug out of their burrows in the autumn!),
- the ibex horns were considered a glorious trophy
- there is a cross-shaped piece of ossified cartilage in its heart that was popular as a good-luck charm.
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