Goat
Capra
Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.
Goats belong to the genus Capra, which includes wild species and domestic forms. This account focuses on the familiar domestic goat.
Domestic goat, one member of the genus Capra.
At a glance
- Location
- Domestic herds occur worldwide; wild relatives occupy a variety of rocky and mountainous landscapes.
- Habitat
- Grassland
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Food
- Grasses, shrubs and other plant material.
Classification
- Common name
- Goat
- Browse group
- Mammals
- Scientific name or taxon
- Capra
- Source classification
- Mammalia
Three things to know
- Domestic goats are ruminants.
- They browse shrubs as well as grazing.
- Social contact is important in goat herds.
Habitat and range
Domestic herds occur worldwide; wild relatives occupy a variety of rocky and mountainous landscapes.
Appearance and adaptations
Split hooves help with footing on uneven ground. Horns and coat characteristics vary between breeds, ages and sexes.
Diet and behaviour
Domestic goats are social ruminants that browse and graze. They select among available plants rather than consuming every object they encounter.
Sources
- Animal Diversity Web: Capra hircus
- A–Z Animals: Goat · Directory entry
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