Alpine ibex were hunted to near-extinction in the 19th century but have made a remarkable recovery through conservation programs. Their welfare depends on intact mountain ecosystems.
Alpine ibex welfare today is primarily threatened by disease outbreaks — particularly sarcoptic mange — and climate change impacts. Mange causes intense pruritus, hair loss, and eventually death from hypothermia and immune depletion. Outbreaks can kill significant proportions of local populations within a season. Individual animals suffer intensely for weeks or months before death. Climate-driven changes to alpine vegetation and snow conditions affect nutritional availability during critical periods. Conservation success has reduced human-caused welfare threats, but emerging disease and climate pressures require ongoing monitoring and management.