![]() Occurrence of parasites and diseases, and predators such as wild dogs are also influential. Feral goats have also been sighted in many state and regional parks and forests throughout Victoria.įactors that influence feral goat distribution include food, water and shelter. ![]() However, anecdotal information suggests that the largest populations occur where large tracts of forested or semi-arid areas offer protection from predators. There is little information available regarding feral goat distribution and density in Victoria. However, it appears their numbers are increasing in parts of the Great Dividing Range. The greatest numbers of feral goats occur in the arid and semi-arid pastoral regions of Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. The mixed origins of Australia’s feral goats are reflected in the genetic diversity seen in wild populations. When this industry collapsed in the 1920s, many goats were abandoned in preference for wool which added to the feral population. ![]() Goats were introduced to many areas by early settlers, miners and railway construction gangs for meat and milk.Ĭashmere and Angora goats were also introduced to Australia in the mid-1800s for the fibre industry. Early populations were initially concentrated near settlement areas, but they have since spread across 35% of Australia and occur on many offshore islands. Populations History of spreadįeral goats have been present in Australia since early European settlement, with wild populations becoming established because of accidental escape or deliberate release. Read more about the classification of invasive animals in Victoria. Goats (feral or wild) are declared as established pest animals in the state of Victoria under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act)
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