Feral goats
Feral goats are a major agricultural and environmental pest, but also a commercial resource, providing income to farmers who muster them for sale.
Impact
Feral goats compete with livestock and some native animals for pasture, contribute to land degradation through grazing and feeding. They also impact biodiversity by damaging the vegetation and competing with native animals.
Feral goats are a threat to Aboriginal cultural sites.
Control
Mustering, trapping and shooting are the key control measures for feral goats.
Harvesting of goats for consumption remains the main control when financial returns make this a viable option.
Price drops in the wild goat market can lead to reduced harvesting and a rise in goat densities and environmental damage. During these periods of poor financial returns, control activities are required.
Where mustering is not practical on public lands, aerial shooting is considered.
For more information on pest species and biosecurity, visit Pestsmart and the Department of Primary Industries.
Otherwise, please contact your local Biosecurity Officer if you require feral goat pest animal management advice.
Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plans
We've worked with regional pest animal committees and the community to develop regional strategic pest animal management plans in each of our 11 Local Land Services regions.
Your Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plans will tell you what priority pest animal pest animals you need to manage and how.
Read your Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan: