Overview
Because many breeds are involved, many colors and horn configurations are represented.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Capra
- Species
- Capra aegagrus
Habitat
Feral goats are most common on rocky or hilly country in the semi-arid rangelands. These areas provide security from predators and disturbance by humans. Goats are not normally found on flat treeless plains, but can be found on flat country with dense shrub cover. Favourable habitat requires availability of shelter, surface water, and an abundance of preferred food species.
Diet
They eat foliage, twigs, bark, flowers, fruits, and roots. They will also eat plant litter, seeds, and fungi. During dry times goats need to drink water. An average-sized goat will drink between 2-4.5 L (5-1.2 G) of water per day, depending upon temperatures, humidity, and reproductive status. Some goats, particularly those in temperate or wet climates, can obtain most of their water requirements from their food, and can survive in areas with no permanent fresh water.
Behavior
Highly gregarious living in groups of mixed ages often containing both male and female animals. They are diurnal, but during winter with its shorter days they can be found eating throughout the day. They dislike wet conditions and in inclement weather will seek out shelter from rain and wind.
Hunting
They are hunted to prevent over population, and are hunted in many different ways across the world depending on the location and local hunting laws.
Conservation Status
There are no major conservation initiatives for this category of goat.