The Kri-Kri goat is a feral goat inhabiting the Eastern Mediterranean. It is also called by some other names such as Agrimi, Bezoar goat, Cretan goat or Cretan Ibex.
The Kri-Kri goat was previously considered a subspecies of wild goats. And now the breed is found only on the island of Crete, Greece and three small islands just offshore. These three small islands are Agii Pantes, Dia and Thodorou.
The breed is not thought to be indigenous to Crete. And most likely having been imported to the island during the time of the Minoan civilization.
The Kri-Kri goat was once common throughout the Aegean, but the peaks of the 2400 meters White Mountains of Western Crete are their last strongholds.
This mountain range is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and hosts another 14 endemic animal species. Their range extends to the White Mountains, the Samaria National Forest and the islets of Dia, Thodorou, and Agii Pandes in total. And some were introduced onto two more islands recently.
The Kri-Kri goat was under threat by the 1960, with a population below 200. Today there are still only about 2000 animals available on the island and they are considered vulnerable.
Excessive hunting for their tender meat, scarcer grazing grounds and diseases are the main reasons for decreasing their numbers.
Hybridization is also a threat, because the Kri-Kri goat population has interbred with ordinary goats. Today hunting them is strictly prohibited. Read more information below.
Kri-Kri Goat Characteristics
Kri-Kri goat is a small to medium sized goat breed. It has a light brownish coat with a darker band around it’s neck.
Bucks are usually larger than the does, sometimes the bucks weight about double of the does. Both bucks and does have horns with annual rings and knobs. And their horns are curved backwards.
The bucks usually have beard, which rarely occurs in does. They have a black line on the back, which extends from their neck to the top of the tail. There are also black patterns on the front parts of their legs.
Average body weight of the Kri-Kri bucks is about 90 kg. And the does on average weight about 26-42 kg. Photo from Wikipedia.
Uses
Kri-Kri goats are feral goats. Previously they were hunted for their tender meat.
Special Considerations
The Kri-Kri goat is usually shy animal and avoid tourists. They usually rest during the day. They are excellent climbers, and can leap some distance or climb seemingly sheer cliffs. They are very hardy and strong animals. Review full breed profile of the Kri-Kri goat in the table below.
| Breed Name | Kri-Kri |
| Other Name | Called by some other names such as Agrimi, Bezoar goat, Cretan goat or Cretan Ibex. |
| Breed Purpose | Previously hunted for meat |
| Breed Size | Small to Medium |
| Buck | About 90 kg |
| Doe | At least 26-42 kg |
| Horns | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Coat Color | Light Brown |
| Good for Stall Fed | No |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Eastern Mediterranean |
