Variation in the accumulation of chemical elements in the bones of chamois during their two-year exposure in the field

  • S. Brecelj Institute of High Mountain Biology, Žilina University, Tatranská Javorina 7, SK-059 56, Slovak Republic
  • M. Janiga Institute of High Mountain Biology, Žilina University, Tatranská Javorina 7, SK-059 56, Slovak Republic
  • Z. Kompišová Ballová Institute of High Mountain Biology, Žilina University, Tatranská Javorina 7, SK-059 56, Slovak Republic
  • G. Chovancová Research Station and Museum of the TANAP, Tatra National Park Administration, Tatranská Lomnica 66, SK-059 60, Slovak Republic
Keywords: bones, chamois, Tatras, elements, measurement, XRF spectrometry

Abstract

The accumulation of chemical elements in the bones of Tatra chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra tatrica) in Tatranská Javorina in the area of the Belianske Tatras were studied. Over a two year period, bones taken from the same site were sampled four times. During each sampling, chemical elements were measured, and then the bones were put back in their original position. The site was at an altitude of 1000 m a.s.l. We investigated the effect of time on the concentration of elements in the bones of deceased chamois. It is clear from our research that the elements behave differently over time. It can be said that if bone samples are taken directly from the field, the results may differ due to element exchanges, mainly between bones, precipitation water and air. Elements like P, Cr, Mn, Fe, Zn, Rb, Sr, Mo, Sb, Ba, and Pb tended to increase or do not change concentrations in the bones over time, while concentrations of Ca, K, Cl decreased.

Published
2022-07-29
How to Cite
Brecelj, S., Janiga, M., Kompišová Ballová, Z., & Chovancová, G. (2022). Variation in the accumulation of chemical elements in the bones of chamois during their two-year exposure in the field. Oecologia Montana, 31(1), 19-26. Retrieved from https://om.vuvb.uniza.sk/index.php/OM/article/view/356
Section
Standard articles