Geographia Technica, Vol 18, Issue 2, 2023, pp. 196-212
APPLICATION OF GIS TECHNOLOGY TO ASSESS THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUITABILITY FOR RUPICAPRA RUPICAPRA IN ROMANIAN CARPATHIANS
Sanda-Maria ROŞCA 
, Vasile CEUCA
ABSTRACT: The chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) is one of the primary mammals on the territory of Romania that still exists nowadays, but one which has restricted its suitable living habitat to alpine and subalpine areas due to global warming and the influence of anthropic factors (poaching, excessive grazing). The main aim of the present study consists of the ecological diagnosis of the fields in the Romanian Carpathians suitable for the chamois by using tools for mapping, as well as the statistical and mathematical analysis of the GIS technology. In order to determine field favorability modelling for the chamois, we used both knowledge expert-type data and official assessments of real actual numbers of specimens, but also, a complete database regarding the main biotic factors (topographic characteristics, hydrographic network, climate characteristics); abiotic factors (the existence of pastures, shrubby and forest vegetation, as well as the presence of feeding areas during winter), and anthropic factors (grazing, mountain tourism). All the hunting grounds at the level of the mountainous area in Romania was analysed in a qualitative and quantitative manner while taking into account the favorability and restriction character of these factors. To validate the modelling results that were obtained, the data from 97 hunting grounds where the chamois is present were used. The main results highlighted the territories situated in the massifs: Rodnei, Retezat, Făgăraș, Pietrosul Maramureșului as being territories that provide the best conditions for Rupicapra rupicapra. With these studies at our disposal, researchers may indirectly evaluate the genetic diversity of the species that are already present as well as the repopulation of the Romanian Carpathians' most advantageous areas.
Keywords: Rupicapra rupicapra, Favourability, GIS, Environmental modelling
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