Ecology of the Bearded Goat (Capra aegagrus Ersleben 1777) in Turkmenistan

Abstract

Only ca. 8,000 bearded goats (Capra aegagrus) are left in Turkmenistan, predominantly in the mountains of Central Kopetdagh. The animal^’s lives are characterized by four distinct periods: winter/spring period, birthing period, drinking site period, and mating period. Each of these periods has a specific herd structure and hierarchical system in a herd. Average herd size is 15.9 ± 1.1 animals. Average life span of males is 6.23 ± 0.24 years. Herd structure, on average, is 23.9% males, 49.9% females, and 26.2% young goats; male/female ratfip is 1:2.1. In response to environmental changes, populations may change in herd structure, size, and social organization. Competition with sympatric mountain sheep is minimized due to habitat separation.