African Pygmy
Capra aegagrus f. hircus
The first wild goats were bred as domestic animals about 11,000 years ago. The African pygmy probably originated in the Middle East and was only brought to Africa later.
| Related to | Even-toed ungulates, ruminants, bovidae, goats (63 species), domestic goats (over 300 different breeds) |
| Habitat | Domestic animal, wet steppes and moist forests |
| Mode of life | diurnal |
| Social structure | in herds, pronounced hierarchy in the group |
| Diet | Grasses, herbs, leaves, tree bark |
| Weight | Females up to 25 kg, Males up to 30 kg, Juveniles from 0.8 to 1.4 kg |
| Shoulder height | 40 to 50 cm |
| Head-torso length | 60 to 80 cm |
| Tail length | 10 to 14 cm |
| Horns | both sexes, male clearly larger |
| Gestation time | about 150 days |
| Litter size | 1 to 3 young |
| Age of sexual maturity | Female 7 months , Male 4 months |
| Life expectancy | 15 years |
| Utilization | in Africa for meat and leather, in Europe as a hobby and laboratory animal |
| Population | unknown, probably came from Asia via Egypt to West Africa, popular in Europe with hobby animal breeders |
| At Zurich Zoo since | 1961 |
Animal Voice
Sponsors
| R. Bosshard, Zürich | |
| C. Otte, Kloten | |
| S. Honsell, Berlingen | |
| J. + St. Schärer, Zürich | |
| K. Gamer, Wetzikon | |
| S. Babiczky, Ebmatingen | |
| J. Simmen, Lausen | |
| G. A. Krähenbühl, Buchs AG | |
| K. Keller, Oberstammheim | |
| M. I. Weder-Marques, Bassersdorf | |
| S. Maurer + M. Büchi, Zürich | |
| L. + L. Ruchet, Gachnang | |
| M. Hug + E. Jacomet, Buch am Irchel | |
| U. Walthert, Au ZH | |
| A. Wilke, Schlieren | |
| R. Vogt, Wangen SZ | |
| R. Zambonin, Uerikon | |
| P. Schnellmann, Zürich | |
| C. Raffath, Zürich | |
| M. Caspers, Schwerzenbach | |
| A. Hohl, Altstätten SG | |
| P. + A. Rusch-Sager, St. Gallen | |
| H. U. Kalms, Thundorf | |
| C. Haber-Buholzer, Rütihof | |
| L. Meier, Winterthur | |
| B. + H.-P. Müller, Bonstetten | |
| C. Jucker, Saland | |
| U. Sommer, Zürich | |
| E. Besomi, Uster | |
| H. Hafner, Benglen | |
| K. Mäder, Winterthur | |
| S. Mazumder, Rotkreuz | |
| G.-A. Cadosch, Zürich | |
| J. Ziegler + L. Pulvermüller, Rüti | |
| M. + S. Kromer, Eglisau | |
| E. Infanti, Arbon | |
| N. Flückiger, Langenthal | |
| S. Bowald, Zürich | |
| J. Inauen, Zürich | |
| Y. Huber, Winterthur | |
| Y. Beez, Dällikon | |
| S. Ritter, Rotkreuz | |
| D. Selzam, Seuzach | |
| M. Burkhalter, Sigriswil | |
| N. Bernasconi, Flims Waldhaus | |
| M. Fries, Rothenburg | |
| S. Blaser, Winterthur | |
| M. + A. Enderli, Berikon | |
| Dolder Hotel AG, Zürich |
