Getting your goat

The primitive goat is becoming a rare sight. Graham Holliday gives hints as to where to see one

The wild, feral or officially named British primitive goat arrived in Scotland with the very first neolithic farmers. The shaggy haired species ruled with a cloven hoof until the late 18th century when Swiss and Nubian breeds were introduced

It was once widespread in the United Kingdom and found in more than 200 locations. However, by the 1950s, the development of softwood plantations on former hill farms reduced the amount of suitable habitat.

By 1990 there were just 45 known goat habitats supporting a population of about 4000 goats. However, the number of true British primitive goats now numbers about 1500.

They're a colourful sight on the Scottish hills. Some goats have long hair, others short, but each has a unique colouration. They rut between August and December and this is the best time to see them. The kids are born in January.

“Loch Lomond saw the rut commence in early August this year, whereas other locations did not start until September,” says Tracy Livingstone a goat researcher with the British Feral Goat Research Group.

“The females are pregnant for 150 days and give birth at the worst time of year. It is survival of the fittest with the main predators at birth being foxes and large birds such as crows, and birds of prey, which hunt the weak kids.”

It's so hazardous that up to one third of kids die within the first few days.

Galloway Forest Park, near Newton Stewart, is Britain's largest forest park. It's run by the Forestry Commission and has g...

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• By : Graham Holiday
• In : Wildlife
• Issue : 24
• Page : 22
• Words : 734