Alicudi, a remote and sparsely populated Italian island, is facing an overpopulation crisis of wild goats. With only about 100 residents, the island is home to approximately 600 wild goats that are wreaking havoc on the local ecosystem. The goats were introduced to the island around 20 years ago by a farmer, and have since reproduced rapidly, encroaching on residential areas, invading homes, and destroying local flora.
In an effort to control the growing goat population, Mayor Riccardo Gullo has launched an “adopt-a-goat” program, allowing individuals to take up to 50 goats off the island for adoption. The program aims to reduce the goat population to a manageable level and is open to anyone with a boat to transport the goats. Applicants must send an email to the local authority and pay a small fee to make their request official; those chosen will have 15 days to catch and remove the goats from the island.
The giveaway is intended to reduce the number of goats on the island to a sustainable level, ideally around 100 goats. While some goats will be left on the island for tourism purposes, the majority will be relocated off the island. The program has garnered significant interest, with dozens of people expressing interest in adopting the goats, including a farmer from a nearby island who produces goat cheese. Mayor Gullo hopes that the goats will be domesticated rather than used for meat.
The goat population on Alicudi has become a major concern for residents, as the animals have caused significant damage to the island’s infrastructure and ecosystem. They have devoured local vegetation, crumbled stone walls, and invaded homes, posing a threat to the community’s way of life. The “adopt-a-goat” program is seen as an innovative solution to this issue, allowing individuals to play a role in managing the goat population and preserving the island’s natural beauty.
The goat overpopulation issue on Alicudi underscores the challenges faced by small, remote communities in managing their natural resources. As a result of the program, the hope is that the goats will be relocated to homes where they can be cared for and contribute to a more sustainable way of life. By taking action to address the overpopulation of goats on the island, Mayor Gullo and local authorities are working to ensure the long-term viability of Alicudi’s unique ecosystem and way of life.
