A ROLE FOR FERAL MAMMALS IN CONSERVING THE GENETIC DIVERSITY OF LIVESTOCK

SUMMARYThe rationale for conserving breeds of livestock may be extended to free-living populations which are descended from domestic stock (= feral). An important management difference is that feral animals are not maintained as fixed breeds, but are free to vary and adapt. Many feral populations are pests, and threaten the status of native flora and fauna. This means that they continue to diminish as a result of control operations. Nevertheless, some populations and herds of goats, cattle, horses, sheep and pigs have now been protected. Positive values of commercial and scientific Interest are emerging as animals of feral extraction are studied. Further work is needed to assess the contribution that feral animals can make to the cause of conserving genetic diversity in the world's livestock.</jats:p

Feral Goats in New Zealand

New Zealand policy is to eliminate feral introduced animals, such as deer and goats, which have done immense damage to the native animals and vegetation. But an attempt to kill off the feral goats on one island in order to protect the native vegetation raised the cry that these were ‘Old English’ goats and should be conserved.</jats:p