TANAP: Icy Ground Has Claimed Lives of 11 Chamois in Tatras

High Tatras, December 28 (TASR) – Deadly tragedies took place in the High Tatras during the Christmas holidays featuring not only human beings but also the highly protected species of Tatra chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra tatrica), TASR learnt on Thursday.

“The senseless deaths of four young people took place in our great mountains between December 25-26. Along with these tragedies, deadly falls of Tatra chamois were recorded in some valleys,” Tatra National Park (TANAP) administration head Pavol Majko told TASR.

The icy and snow-covered surfaces, all-day rescue helicopter flights in the mountains and many undisciplined visitors hiking on the closed hiking trails might be behind the deaths of 11 chamois, stated Majko.

“Every single species of the now relatively stable Tatra chamois population is of utmost importance in terms of genetic variability,” he added.

In this regard the TANAP administration is calling upon visitors to observe the nature conservation guidelines. “At the same time we ask tourists to behave responsibly and unselfishly to everything that lives in the Tatras,” said Majko.