Climbers

Some adaptations are clearly habitat specific. They are not related to the alpine environment but can also be found in lowland species living in similar habitats.

Rock climbers have specially adaptated feet. The soles of the feet of the hyrax (Procavia capensis) which lives in the Ethiopian mountains are covered with a rubbery pad that secretes a sticky sweat, giving the hyrax an excellent grip as it climbs over the rocks.

In the European Alps, ibex (Capra ibex) and chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) are typical climbers. The hooves of ibex and chamois have a hard, thin rim surrounding a soft, spongelike interior, enabling them to climb nearvertical cliffs and smooth, slick rock faces with equal ease. Moreover, the ibex can move the two toes independently. This allows it to depose each of its toes on another edge giving it enormous stability in the rocky habitat.

1a,b and c - Anterior foot of an Ibex (Capra ibex). Top down (a), profile (b) and bottom up view (c).

Another excellent climber living in steep slopes and cliffs of the European Alps is the wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria). This bird lives the whole year round in the rocks and breeds in caves. It feeds on invertebrates living in rock crevices. As adaptions to locomotion in this terrain, the wallcreeper has very large, strong claws to adhere to even the narrowest ledges. In contrast to woodpeckers or treecreepers, it can place both claws parallel without the support of its tail. Its oversized wing area supports the climbing and enables it to take advantage of updraughts to overcome large altitude differences.

3 - Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria) (150K)

2 - Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria) with large wings and strong claws as adaptions to life in the rocks

Burrowers

The marmot (Marmota marmota) is a herbivore rodent living in the steppe. Because there is nearly no natural cover, it has to build its own shelters. The marmot is a remarkable burrower. As an adaption to its burrowing life-style,it has strong bones and well formed paws.

4 - Bone of a marmot's fore leg (left) in comparison to that of a mountain hare (right). The fortified muscle appendages are clearly visible. (Shown by arrows)

5 - Fore and hind leg of a marmot.

29 August 2011
© ALPECOLe 2002-2007