Their number has increased from 4,700 in the 1970s to more than 7,000 today. The Canton of Graubünden fears that the ibex population will swell further thanks to mild winters, leading to an increase in disease and damage to forests. This is why the Cantonal Hunting Office authorized this year additional regulatory shooting against females, the number of which is approximately 20% higher than that of males, reports the “SRF”.
In total, 96 more animals are expected to be killed this fall. Some 46 hunters were drawn from among the 400 competing. They will have the right to kill two scapegoats per person. “Killing females is much more demanding. They are more cautious than males. And before shooting, we must always ensure that they do not have young,” explains a hunter who will track the animal in the Zernez region.
It is only after having counted the numbers that the authorities will decide, in the spring, whether other special shots will be necessary next fall. Lukas Walser, cantonal biologist, expects the measure to continue: “Regulated population development does not end in one year.”
