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San Clemente Island Goat
Capra aegagrus hircus
San Clemente Island goats are a Heritage Breed of goat that is critically endangered. This unique breed was discovered running feral on San Clemente Island off the coast of California by the U.S. Navy, which culled the herd to about 4,000 before the Fund for Animals began a program to domesticate them on North American farms and preserves.
Range & Habitat
San Clemente Island, which is located about 65 miles west of the coast of San Diego, California. In the 1980’s, thousands of goats were removed from the island and resettled on the main lands of U.S. and Canada, in an effort to return this breed to domestication.
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Critically endangered due to eradication from their home island and a lack of familiarity with their breed among most farmers.
Diet
In the Wild: Fresh weeds, grasses, bark, leaves, twigs, vegetables.
At the Zoo: Timothy hay, alfalfa, fruits and vegetables as treats, and some grains.
Life Span
In the Wild: Unknown; In Human Care: 10-22 years.
Fun Facts about the San Clemente Island Goat
- Both sexes of San Clemente Island goats have horns. As the males age, their horns become larger, eventually sweeping out to the sides of their heads and curling.
- San Clemente Island goats are considered a Heritage Breed. Being allowed to run feral on a remote island for decades preserved their distinct genealogy. As a result, their genes are valuable to agricultural heritage and future sustainability.
- San Clemente Island goats have rectangular pupils that give them enhanced peripheral vision as a protection from predators. The rectangular shape allows their eyes to capture more light close to the ground (where they are grazing) and filter out light from up above.
Sources
Carroll, J. F., & Wegener, C. (n.d.). San Clemente Island Goat Foundation.
Retrieved May 5, 2020, from https://www.scigoatfoundation.org/ history
Champ, A. (2018, February 19). The Mysterious Goats of San Clemente Island. Retrieved May 5, 2020, from http://rarebeastsproject. alysonchamp.com/the-mysterious-goats-of-san-clemente-island/
Cooper, T. (2019, June 20). Breed Profile: San Clemente Goats. Retrieved May 5, 2020, from https://backyardgoats.iamcountryside.com/goat- breeds/breed-profile-san-clemente-goats/
Updated June 13, 2023
Location:
Domestic Animal Barn
