Nigerian Dwarf Goat
Capra aegagrus hircus
Nigerian dwarf goats are domesticated goats from West Africa. Wild groups of these goats are found in rugged mountain country, rocky crags, and alpine meadows and can tolerate hot, dry climates, but can also adapt to colder climates by growing a thicker wool coat. Nigerian dwarf goats are raised for milk production and can produce up to two quarts of milk a day, but also as pets due to their gentle, calm, and playful nature. Like other goats, they have rectangular pupils that help with their vision, have a four-chambered stomach to help with digestion, and have hooves that are split into two which help them move across all types of terrain. They are mainly black, white, gold, or light brown and or chocolate or darker brown in various patterns and both males and females have horns.
Click HERE for a Goat Activity Sheet!
Our Current Residents
Victor, Male- Born on April 1, 2013
Victor was donated to the zoo by ZooSchool instructor, Marnie, and her family. Victor is whiter with fewer and larger spots, mostly on his shoulders and near his tail.
Percy, Male- Born on April 1, 2013
Percy was donated to the zoo by ZooSchool instructor, Marnie, and her family. Percy has more spots and coloration to him, with all brown legs and a more black and brown speckled body.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Bovidae
- Genus: Capra
- Species: Capra aegagrus hircus
Animal Facts
Herbivore: mainly eat woody shrubs and trees, blackberry, weeds, undergrowth, and ivy
Population Status: currently listed as Least Concern
Habitat: mountain country, rocky crags, and alpine meadows
Activity: diurnal- mainly active during the day
