The Distribution of Wild Goat Capra aegagrus Erxleben 1877 and Population Characteristics in Isparta, Turkey

Wild goat Capra aegagrus Erxleben 1877, which is listed as VU A2 cde in IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals, is distributed in Aegean, Mediterranean, Southeast Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia and Blacksea Regions of Turkey up to 4000-4500 m altitudes from the sea level. Isparta Province is one of the distribution areas of wild goats, where these species exist for long years. Wild goat is almost extinct in Isparta Province. This study collected data on the ecology of wild goats such as the distribution of wild goats in the area, the morphology, sexuality, group size, distribution of age in males and number of kids in between the years of 2002-2008. This data indicated that wild goat is distributed in Yesilyurt, Candir, Muezzinler and Asagigokdere villages of Isparta Province. Home range of the species was around 150-400 ha. Color variations of wild goats varied according to season, sex and age. Wild goat population consisted of 15% male and 45% female and 40% kids in summer and 25% male, 35% female and 40% kids in winter. Average number of kids per female goat was 0.85. Abdominal size was found to be (b) = 1.72. The goats give birth to 2 kids at a ratio of 66%; 1 kid at a ratio of 30% and 3 kids at a ratio of 4% in annual basis. The most significant mortality factor in the field was illegal hunting. Although, group size varied according to seasons, generally solitary individuals or dual groups were observed.