Greg Roberts; 4/12/08
Populations of feral goats are exploding in western Queensland and NSW as drought-stricken farmers turn to the pests as a solution to their financial woes. With goat meat fetching higher prices than mutton and lamb, farmers are protecting goat herds across vast tracts of mulga country. Government scientists and environmentalists are dismayed that longstanding efforts to eradicate feral goats are being undermined. The estimated 2.3 million feral goats in Australia are highly destructive to the arid environment. Collection points for feral goats have been set up in several inland towns in Queensland and NSW. About 50 graziers are selling goats caught on their properties to abattoir agents in the southern-central Queensland town of Cunnamulla.
See: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24748400-5006786,00.html
Tags: Australia, Environment, Trade