Ioannina, 6 October 2026
A particularly serious case of illegal killing of a Balkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica) has been recorded on Mount Mitsikeli, once again highlighting the need to strengthen measures for the protection of this emblematic species of Greece’s mountain fauna.
On Sunday, 4 October 2026, during field research on Mount Mitsikeli, a dead Balkan chamois was discovered. The animal had been shot and its head had been removed. It was found a short distance from a mountain road. The removal of the head strongly suggests that it may have been taken as a trophy.
The animal was discovered in the course of activities carried out under the project “CHAMOIS II: Enhancing connectivity of Balkan chamois in North-Western Greece”, implemented by Pindos Perivallontiki, the Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory / Department of Biological Applications and Technologies of the University of Ioannina, the Balkan Chamois Society, and the Hellenic Mountain Observatory.
The research is being conducted under the permit “Research for safeguarding and enhancing functional connectivity among the individual populations of Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica in North-Western Greece”, within the framework of the CHAMOIS II project (Ref. No. YPEN/DDD/37446/1241_18/05/2026).
The competent authorities were notified of the case and were provided with photographs and the exact coordinates of the location where the animal was found, so that the necessary procedures could be carried out and the case further investigated.
This finding is of particular concern, as in recent years there have been repeated reports and indications of Balkan chamois poaching on Mount Mitsikeli. This case now provides concrete and documented evidence of the illegal killing of a Balkan chamois in the area.
The Balkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica) is one of the most characteristic and valuable species of Greece’s mountain fauna. Its populations are fragmented, and maintaining connectivity between individual population groups is a crucial prerequisite for the species’ long-term conservation.
The illegal killing of even individual animals can have a significant impact on small and isolated populations, while poaching remains one of the most important direct threats to the Balkan chamois in several mountainous areas.
The illegal killing on Mount Mitsikeli highlights the need to intensify surveillance and enforcement, particularly during the hunting season, as well as to strengthen cooperation among the competent authorities, scientific institutions, environmental organisations, hunting organisations, and local communities.
At the same time, the contribution of citizens is particularly important. Any information concerning the illegal killing of Balkan chamois or other protected species should be reported immediately to the competent authorities.
Protecting the Balkan chamois is not merely an obligation towards a protected species. It is a responsibility to preserve the natural heritage of the mountains of Pindos and North-Western Greece for future generations.
Partners of the project “CHAMOIS II: Enhancing connectivity of Balkan chamois in North-Western Greece”
Pindos Perivallontiki
Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory / Department of Biological Applications and Technologies, University of Ioannina
Balkan Chamois Society
Hellenic Mountain Observatory
