BEZOAR WILD GOAT (CAPRA AEGAGRUS ERXLEBEN, 1777) – HISTORY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPECIES IN BULGARIA
ATIDZHE AHMED1*, ALBENA VLASSEVA1, STEFKA KITANOVA2, PETER GENOV1
1 – Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin Street, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
2 – Forest Research Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 132, St. Kliment Ohridski Blvd.,1756 Sofia, Bulgaria
*Corresponding author: atidje_dj@abv.bg
Keywords: Bezoar wild goat, Capra aegagrus, reintroduction, Bulgaria
Abstract: The Bezoar wild goat (Capra aegagrus Erxleben, 1777) is assumed that in the past was a natural inhabitant of our mountains, but subsequently disappeared. The aim of this article is to confirm or refute this assumption on the basis of literature data and to answer the question is there a future for the development of the Capra aegagrus in Bulgaria? If the answer is „yes“, then where are suitable habitats for it?
Paleontological research proves that the C. aegagrus is not aboriginal in the European continent and in Bulgaria, but was brought by the people as a live stock at first on islands and then in the mountains in Northern Greece. The Bezoar wild goat has been most probably living in Bulgarian southern mountains, for a short period though, which explains the lack of species‘ fossil remains and other proof for its dwelling in Bulgaria as well.
The species‘ low nutritional requirements and successful adaptation are the prerequisites for its development and displacement in the country. C. aegagrus could and should be part of Bulgarian fauna, because the mountains of Bulgaria are beautiful, but will be even more beautiful if they are inhabited by this majestic goat – the Bezoar wild goat.