Domestic Goat

Capra hircus

Conservation Status

Data Deficient

Mammalia · Artiodactyla · Bovidae

About

The goat or domestic goat is a species of goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the family Bovidae, meaning it is closely related to the sheep. It was one of the first animals to be domesticated, in Iran around 10,000 years ago.

Fun Fact

Males of the two species differ in that buck goats acquire a unique and strong odor during the rut, whereas rams do not.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Found today in the Zagros Mountains, but formerly widespread in Anatolia, is the likely original ancestor of all or most domestic goats today.

Diet

Eat almost anything.

Lifespan

18 years

Threats

Habitat Change
Human Disturbance

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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