Old Irish Goats, the endangered ancient goats have been deployed on the hills of Howth in Dublin in line with preventing wildfire. The goats that love to eat vegetation and grass will help to reduce risk of fire by sparks on dry leaves, it is expected. The local council’s plan consists of herd of 25 Old Irish Goats and managed by Melissa Jeuken, an expert herder.
The goats have been chosen from and Old Irish Goat Society in Mulranney. GPS trackers have been attached to the neck of the goats and it will help if they stray, says Junken. The project aims to instil “key conservation grazing principles to tackle fire prevention and habitat management,” while helping to ensure the breed’s survival, she said.
Old Irish Goats are in danger of extinction and the Irish authorities are trying to prevent it by giving conservation. The project also aims to help these goats survive in natural habitats.
Conservationists feared the Old Irish Goat — which numbered around 250,000 in the early 1900s — was extinct until some were found scattered on the western mountains of Mulranney, their identity confirmed by DNA sampling at Trinity College Dublin.
Reuters.