Feral goat
The feral goat is the domestic goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) when it has become established in the wild. Feral goats occur in many parts of the world.
Species[edit]
Feral goats consist of many breeds of goats, all of which stem from the wild goat, C. aegagrus. Although breeds can look different, they all share similar characteristics. Physically, both domestic and feral goats can be identified by their prominent straight horns (more prominent on male goats), rectangular pupils, and coarse hair. In addition, most domesticated goats/feral goats lie around 100–120 pounds (45–55 kg), with heavier goats tending to be wild goats.[1]
Short- and long-term effects of invasion[edit]
Feral goats in any country cause many long-term problems pertaining to the native vegetation. These problems are caused by overgrazing of these species, as well as the erosion of soil due to the loss of plant roots. These goats also affect native animal species because they are using a multitude of resources, causing an increased amount of competition. Lastly, they can affect the ecosystem by spreading plants and weeds into areas they aren't typically seen in through their excrement.[6] This eventually causes damage because native species of plants now have competition. Besides environmental damage, they also cause damage to the economy by damaging agriculture and causing the government to spend to control them.[15]