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Adaptive management of an iconic invasive goat Capra hircus population |
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| Authors: | Dave P. Cowan Zelda van der Waal Sally Pidcock Matthew Gomm Nathalie Stephens Matthew Brash Piran C.L. White Louise Mair Aileen C. Mill |
| Affiliation: | 1. Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Sand Hutton Campus, Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ UK;2. Modelling Evidence and Policy Group, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU UK;3. Great Orme Country Park, Conwy County Borough Council, E.R.F, Mochdre Offices, Conwy Road, Mochdre, LL28 5AB UK;4. Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Foss House, York, YO1 7PX UK;5. ARKVETS, Givendale House, Givendale, Pocklington, YO42 ITT UK;6. Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5NG UK |
| Abstract: | We describe the first use of fertility control to manage a free-living mammal population in Europe. An immunocontraceptive vaccine (GonaCon) was used to reduce female fertility in an invasive feral goat Capra hircus population. Adaptive management was implemented to assess the feasibility of fertility control and to allow prediction of the required level of vaccination to limit goat numbers. The individual probability of breeding success decreased for two years following treatment. Understanding the population demographics alongside modelling of the individual and population-level responses to the vaccine is important for future management. |
| Keywords: | conflict management feral goat fertility control GonaCon immunocontraception North Wales population modelling |