From life on Neolithic farms to near extinction: how Britain’s primitive goat became a rare breed
From life on Neolithic farms to near extinction: how Britain’s primitive goat became a rare breed
The British primitive goat was once a necessity to life, and was first introduced by Neolithic farmers. Now with less than 1200 remaining, it is considered to be a rare breed and is under threat of eradication.
The British primitive goat has a strong heritage in Britain, being the main milk producer for many medieval manors and feeding the cheddar cheese industry until the Swiss and Nubian goats were introduced.
Unfortunately, over the years, they have built a reputation for being more than a little destructive, leaving them facing culls across Britain.
About British primitive goats
To view the images as a slideshow, click on the arrows in the top right hand corner of the photos below.
Two billies feed on the moss and lichen lining the cliff edge. Credit: Jack MifflinThe females give birth during the harshest months of the year. This kid was born next to the busy roadside. On average, only two to three kids will survive the first week of life. Credit: Jack MifflinThis breed is incredibly agile. Short nimble legs mean they can run across near-vertical surfaces. Kids as young as two weeks old follow behind their mothers up perilous mountain faces. Credit: Jack MifflinTwo kids are left sheltered in a cave until their mothers are done feeding. As their mother’s milk is so rich, kids can go hours without a feed. Credit: Jack MifflinA billie takes shelter in the long grass at the base of the cliff. Being a very hardy animal, they live in a series of habitats throughout the year. Credit: Jack MifflinDuring the winter months, many goats will head to the beaches where food is in abundance. At some points, seaweed can make up to 50% of a goat’s daily diet. Credit: Jack MifflinSome individuals live solely in the woods surrounding lochs across Scotland. This billie is climbing a tree to eat the lichen. This can be damaging as they can eat up to 2kg of food a day. Credit: Jack MifflinSunrise in a wood on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. Woods like these play a vital role in protecting and feeding many species throughout the year. Credit: Jack MifflinAs the goat’s travel, they often wander into people's gardens in search of food. Not everyone wants this as they can strip a bush in minutes and leave no vegetation for other wildlife. Credit: Jack MifflinA nannie feeds on seaweed on a fish farm. Credit: Jack MifflinA nanny breaks from feeding on the gorse. These flowers are vital for pregnant nannies as it enriches their milk and increase the chances for their kid. Credit: Jack MifflinThis billy is feeding in his lowland winter habitat on Loch Linnhe. He will spend the colder months on the rocky shores feeding on the abundant seaweed. Credit: Jack Mifflin
About the photographer
Jack Mifflin is a wildlife photographer who focuses on the rare species and landscapes often overlooked. Working specifically for species in Britain that people have lost touch with, including most recently, the British primitive goat and smooth newt.
His work aims to tell the story of species that have been forgotten.
<em>This billy is feeding in his lowland winter habitat on Loch Linnhe. He will spend the colder months on the rocky shores feeding on the abundant seaweed. Credit: Jack Mifflin</em>
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