FNYH, in their eagerness to foster biodiversity recovery and nature conservation, has developed two LIFE-Nature projects together with the European Commission. Currently, FNyH is working on a LIFE Project + in Campanarios de Azaba, Salamanca. However, the program Reintroduction of Chamois in the Eastern Mountain of Cantabria was carried out under the project LIFE – Nature “Recovery and Conservation of Biodiversity in Ason River Basin”.
After more than 150 years since its extinction in the East Mountain, this species travels again by the Cantabrian peaks thanks to the efforts of the Foundation, in collaboration with various regional and national public institutions. However, its consolidation and future viability will need an even wider support.
The disappearance of chamois from the area of Alto Asón began in the eighteenth century due to the devastation of their habitat, caused by massive deforestation – about 82 million trees- for the shipbuilding industry, and hunting pressure. The species was unable to adapt to changes in their environment, causing their cantonment in the area of Picos de Europa. The last sight of chamois in the Eastern Mountain dates from 1845 in Lanchares and San Pedro del Romeral.
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