Browsing preference of feral goats (Capra hircus L.) in a Mediterranean mountain scrubland

Abstract

The feeding habits of feral goats (Capra hircus) in relation to those of domestic and wild goats (Capra pyrenaica) were investigated. We examined food selection and year round browsing pattern in a low-density goat population, that lived as feral in the Mediterranean mountain scrubland for several generations. We compared our results with those of domestic and wild goats from the literature. Browse availability of different vegetation units was measured by visual estimation of plant species cover within 1·9 m above ground level. Also, we applied the point-centered quarter method to survey browse use. Feral goats showed a highly selective feeding behaviour which was considered as a feature that distinguished them from their domestic counterparts. Browsing use and preference of plant species by feral goats were significantly different across seasons (p<0·05) and, in general, seasonal fluctuations of diet were consistent with the maximum nutritive value of consumed plants. Despite their high availability, plant species with strong physical or chemical antiherbivory features were avoided throughout the year. Furthermore, the relative browse use and seasonal browsing pattern of graminoids, woody spiny legumes, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Quercus ilex were similar in feral and wild goats. We concluded that the feeding habits and forage preferences of feral goats are closer to wild than domestic goats.