A. Taxonomical Info 

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Artiodactyla

Family: Bovidae

Genus: Capra aegagrus (wild goat) / Capra hircus (domestic goat)

Species: Capra hircus (domesticated goat

B. Morphological / distribution/ habitat info 

Morphology

Domestic goats (Capra hircus) vary widely in size depending on breed, but a typical adult goat might weigh ~45-90 kg (male) and ~30-50 kg (female). They have a short tail, cloven hooves, a beard in many males, and often horns (though some breeds are hornless). Their coat can vary in colour and length depending on breed, ranging from short to long hair. Wild ancestors (Capra aegagrus) have a more uniform morphology, characterized by a lighter build, well-adapted to rocky terrain, and strong limbs and hooves for navigating a rugged habitat.

Distribution

Domestic goats are globally distributed and one of the most widely kept livestock species worldwide. Wild goats (Capra aegagrus) are native to parts of the Middle East, Central Asia, and mountainous regions of southwestern Asia.

Habitat Info

Wild goats inhabit rugged mountains, steep slopes, cliffs, and rocky outcrops—areas where they can escape predators and efficiently feed on sparse vegetation. Domestic goats thrive in a wide variety of environments, from arid hills to tropical farms. 

C. Traditional Uses / TK-related info 

Use in Southeast Asia 

• Religious Cultures

In many cultures (including Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East), goats are used for milk, meat, skin, horns, and as sacrificial animals in religious/cultural rituals. Goat skin or hide may be used in traditional crafts and sometimes in ritual contexts.

• Medicine 

Goat milk is traditionally valued for its digestibility, and goat meat (chevon) is often used in special meals, ceremonies, and in folk medicine. Traditional medicinal uses, such as goat’s milk, fats, and organs, are sometimes incorporated into folk remedies. For example, goat milk is considered nourishing and beneficial for weak individuals; goat meat is used to restore strength

D. Any related scientific studies, such as ecology/ conservation status/threats/diversity 

• Domestication Studies 

Studies of mitochondrial DNA and nuclear markers indicate that domestic goats originate from multiple wild goat lineages, suggesting a complex history of domestication.

Genetic diversity in goats is high globally, but it varies by breed. Maintaining this diversity is crucial for disease resistance and adaptation to climate change.

• Conservation status & threats 

Wild goat species (Capra aegagrus) have populations that are threatened in some regions due to habitat loss, hunting, competition with livestock, and hybridisation with domestic goats. Conservation measures are in place in some countries.

Domestic goats are not endangered as a species; however, some local breeds may be at risk of genetic erosion due to cross‐breeding and modern farming practices.

• Ecological Role 

Goats in natural or semi‐wild conditions can affect vegetation through grazing; in some cases, overgrazing by goats leads to soil erosion and degradation of habitat. Therefore, management of goat grazing is important from an ecological perspective.

Studies also address zoonotic diseases (such as those caused by goats serving as reservoirs for certain pathogens) and their role in human–animal ecosystems.