Wednesday, September 13, 2023

San Clemente Island Goats: A Critically Endangered Breed

San Clemente Island Goats: A Critically Endangered Breed


San Clemente Island goats are a small, hardy breed of goat that originated on San Clemente Island, one of the Channel Islands off the coast of California. They are thought to have descended from goats that were brought to the island by Spanish settlers in the 1800s.

San Clemente Island goats are known for their unique appearance. They are typically small, with males averaging 28 inches in height and females averaging 24 inches in height. They have a tan to dark-red coat with black markings, and both sexes have horns.

San Clemente Island goats are also known for their hardiness and adaptability. They are able to thrive in a variety of climates and conditions, and they are resistant to many diseases.

However, San Clemente Island goats are also a critically endangered breed. In the early 1900s, there were an estimated 15,000 goats on San Clemente Island. However, their numbers declined due to hunting, trapping, and habitat loss. By the 1990s, there were only about 100 goats left on the island.

In recent years, there have been efforts to save the San Clemente Island goat. The Livestock Conservancy has placed the breed on its Conservation Priority List, and there are a number of breeding programs underway. However, the breed is still considered to be critically endangered, and more work needs to be done to save it.

If you are interested in helping to save the San Clemente Island goat, there are a number of things you can do. You can donate to organizations that are working to protect the breed, or you can adopt a goat. You can also educate others about the breed and its plight.

San Clemente Island Goats: A Critically Endangered Breed

San Clemente Island goats are a small, hardy breed of goat that originated on San Clemente Island, one of the Channel Islands off the coast ...