Feral Goats

At Australian Environmental Vertebrate Pest Management Services (AEVPMS), we deliver strategic, humane, and legislatively compliant control of feral goats (Capra hircus) throughout New South Wales. Our approach helps landowners, councils, and public land managers protect native vegetation, cultural sites, and agricultural productivity.

Feral goats are descended from domesticated livestock and now roam freely in rangelands, national parks, and remote rocky terrain. With few natural predators and high reproductive rates, their populations can grow rapidly, leading to:

• Overgrazing of native plants and pasture, reducing biodiversity and feed for livestock

• Soil erosion and waterway degradation from trampling and overbrowsing

• Destruction of culturally significant Aboriginal sites and rock art

• Competition with native herbivores, such as wallabies and kangaroos

• Damage to fencing and infrastructure

Feral goats are recognised as a Priority Pest Animal under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015, requiring proactive, coordinated management.

AEVPMS develops site-specific Pest Management Plans (PMPs) that align with landowner objectives and NSW environmental legislation. Our certified team uses a combination of aerial and ground-based methods to safely reduce goat numbers while protecting surrounding ecosystems.

Our methods include:

• Thermal aerial shooting by helicopter, ideal for rugged or inaccessible terrain

• Ground-based thermal/night-vision control, including suppressed firearms to reduce noise and disturbance

• Herd movement monitoring using drone and GPS surveillance

• Trap mustering and exclusion fencing advice, where appropriate

• Impact monitoring and post-operation reporting for transparency and effectiveness

All operations are conducted under strict compliance with ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO45001, and pestSMART humane control guidelines.

AEVPMS controls feral goats across a wide range of landscapes, including:

• Outback stations and pastoral leases

• National parks and conservation reserves

• Crown land and Indigenous-managed country

• Biodiversity offset and heritage areas

• Peri-urban and infrastructure zones

We work collaboratively with landowners, councils, Local Land Services (LLS), and state agencies to ensure long-term effectiveness.

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📞 Schedule a Feral Goat Management Plan

If feral goats are damaging your land, native habitat, or cultural values, contact AEVPMS for a professional, ethical, and fully insured control program tailored to your site.