Biology and Impacts of Pacific Island Invasive Species . 9 . Capra hircus , the Feral Goat ( Mammalia :

Domestic goats, Capra hircus, were intentionally introduced to numerous oceanic islands beginning in the sixteenth century. The remarkable ability of C. hircus to survive in a variety of conditions has enabled this animal to become feral and impact native ecosystems on islands throughout the world. Direct ecological impacts include consumption and trampling of native plants, leading to plant community modification and transformation of ecosystem structure. Although the negative impacts of feral goats are well known and effective management strategies have been developed to control this invasive species, large populations persist on many islands. This review summarizes impacts of feral goats on Pacific island ecosystems and management strategies available to control this invasive species. 1 Manuscript accepted 23 August 2012. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship under Grant No. 2010094953 (to M.W.C.); USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (Research Joint Venture 08-JV11272177-074 to C.M.L.); and the W. T. Yoshimoto Foundation Endowed Fellowship in Animal Wildlife Conservation Biology (to M.W.C.). Support to S.C.H. was provided by the USGS Invasive Species Program. 2 Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96822. 3 U.S. Geological Survey Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Hawai‘i National Park, Hawai‘i 96718. 4 U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720. 5 Corresponding author (e-mail: chynoweth.mark@