Pest Spotlight: Feral Goats – Tough, Destructive, and On the Rise

Tracey Hopfler
Sep 14
4 min read

They might not get as much media attention as rabbits or possums, but feral goats are one of New Zealand’s most underestimated rural pests, and their numbers are growing!

At T & C’s Pest Control Services, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a small group of goats can turn into a major problem, especially across hill country, lifestyle blocks, regenerating bush, and scrubby farmland. In this Pest Spotlight, we’re diving into the reality of feral goats in New Zealand, the damage they cause, and why herd control is essential (not just for your property, but for the land we all rely on).

What Are Feral Goats?

Feral goats in New Zealand are descendants of domesticated goats that either escaped or were released into the wild, originally brought over by European settlers. Over generations, they’ve formed wild populations across large areas of Northland, Waikato, Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Wairarapa, Marlborough, and Canterbury, among others.

They are highly adaptable, sure-footed, and capable of surviving in rough terrain and low-nutrient environments. Their ability to eat a wide range of vegetation means they can thrive in areas that are less suitable for other introduced grazers.

The Environmental & Agricultural Impact

Feral goats are not just a visual nuisance; they’re a serious ecological and farming threat. Here’s why:

1. Overgrazing and Vegetation Collapse

Goats are indiscriminate feeders. Unlike sheep or cattle, they browse shrubs, saplings, native seedlings, and tree bark. In doing so, they strip hillsides and bush remnants, preventing native regeneration and damaging conservation efforts. In steep country, this browsing accelerates soil erosion and slope instability.

2. Loss of Biodiversity

Many native species (including broadleaf, mahoe, and kowhai) are highly palatable to goats. By removing these from the regenerating bush, feral goats disrupt the balance of ecosystems and create openings for invasive weeds. They also compete with native herbivores, putting further pressure on already fragile environments.

3. Damage to Fences and Infrastructure

Goats are agile and determined. They climb fences, push through weak spots, and rub against posts, often damaging boundary lines and making farm management more difficult. Their constant movement between properties can also cause tension between neighbouring landowners.

4. Competition With Livestock

Feral goats compete directly with sheep and cattle for feed—especially in times of drought or slow pasture growth. A medium-sized mob can consume the same daily dry matter as several livestock units, eating into both pasture supply and farm profits.

Why Feral Goat Numbers Are Rising in NZ

While goats have been around for decades, land use changes, reduced predator pressure, and patchy control have allowed populations to expand in recent years. In some regions, goats are now seen in areas where they haven’t been an issue for decades.

Factors contributing to this include:

Less intensive farming on hill country blocks
Lapses in coordinated pest control across boundaries
Warmer winters and longer growing seasons supporting survival
Poor fencing or unmanaged escapees from lifestyle blocks
Without regular monitoring and management, goat populations can double in just a few years.

Signs You Might Have a Goat Problem

Even if you haven’t seen goats directly, here are some signs they may be active on or near your property:

Stripped bark on young trees and saplings
Grazed bush lines or trampled scrub
Loose or damaged fence lines
Droppings near tracks, water sources, or clearings
Animal trails along ridgelines or bush edges

In bush or hill country, goats often travel long distances and may only be spotted early in the morning or late afternoon. If you suspect activity, it’s worth investigating sooner rather than later.

Why Herd Control Is the Most Effective Strategy

One or two goats on a property might seem manageable, but goats are highly social animals. They move in herds that can grow quickly if not controlled. Targeting individual animals won’t fix the problem. You need to address the entire group.

Effective herd control means:

Locating known mobs and assessing numbers
Planning a safe and targeted approach, especially in rough terrain
Preventing movement across property boundaries
Ensuring control is done humanely and effectively
Avoiding partial dispersal, which can make the problem worse

This is where professional help becomes vital. At T & C’s Pest Control Services, we’re equipped to track, identify, and control goat herds across a wide range of terrain. We don’t use poisons or traps, and we tailor every job to the land, the livestock, and the goals of the landowner.

Why Now Is the Right Time to Act

Winter and early spring are excellent times to monitor and control goat populations. With vegetation sparse and movement patterns more predictable, goats are easier to spot and more concentrated around food sources. Getting on top of herds now can prevent a spring explosion that costs you pasture, fencing, and valuable regrowth.

Whether you’re seeing signs already or just want peace of mind before the season shifts, we can help.

Let’s Deal With Feral Goats – Before They Deal to Your Land

If you’re in the Wellington region or surrounding rural areas and think goats are damaging your property, it’s time to talk.

At T & C’s Pest Control Services, we’re committed to humane, effective, and ethical control of invasive rural pests. No traps, no poisons, just solid fieldwork by experienced professionals.

Visit our website or contact us to find out more about how we can help you with goat control options: www.tandcspestcontrolnz.com