The San Clemente Island goat, also called San Clemente goat is a breed of domestic goat derived from feral goats isolated on San Clemente Island.
San Clemente Island is one of the Channel Islands of California, United States. It is owned by the U.S. government and used and managed by the U.S. Navy. Feral goats, probably of Spanish origin, have inhabited the island for several centuries, possibly since the 1500’s.
Later introductions may have come from the mainland Franciscan missions during the 1600-1700’s.
Today the San Clemente Island goat is a rare breed of goat. And it is listed as a critically endangered heritage breed on the Conservation Priority List by The Livestock Conservancy.
San Clemente Island Goat Characteristics
The San Clemente Island goat is a small sized animal. It is fine-boned, and has deer-like appearance. The breed has a wide range of colors and color markings, now they are mostly red or tan with black markings. Both bucks and does have horns.
But the bucks have ‘Spanish-type’ horns which are outwardly-twisting. The ALBC with the University of Cordoba in Spain, conducted a DNA study of the breed in 2007 and found that the San Clemente Island goat is genetically distinct breed and unrelated to the numerous other goat breeds in the study.
The adult San Clemente goat on average weight about 23 to 55 kg. Photo & info from Wikipedia.
Uses
San Clemente Island goat is a meat goat breed. It is raised mainly for meat production.
Special Considerations
San Clemente Island goats are hardy animals, and they can adapt themselves in a variety of climates. Most of them have very gentle temperaments and the does have excellent mothering abilities. Review full breed profile of the San Clemente Island goat in the following table.
| Breed Name | San Clemente Island |
| Other Name | San Clemente goat |
| Breed Purpose | Meat |
| Breed Size | Small |
| Buck | About 23-55 kg |
| Doe | About 23-55 kg |
| Horns | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Coat Color | Mostly red or tan with black markings |
| Good for Stall Fed | Yes |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Country/Place of Origin | San Clemente Island |
