Goatwise

As part of a management approach that applies an ecological worldview and uses advanced management tools, we decided to examine goat grazing as a tool to reduce shrub density in the park in order to facilitate fire prevention and increase habitat diversity in the park. To this end, a goat pen was established at Ramat Hanadiv in 2002. Initially, 12 goats were purchased and a study was conducted to examine methods for determining the amount of vegetation and species of plants eaten by the goats. Later on, 36 additional goats from three different breeds were purchased and we examined which breed was the most effective for park management. Once the herd grew, we developed a formal grazing plan for the park, accompanied by monitoring and research to assess the effectiveness of this management tool.
The herd grazes in the nature park throughout the year, helps protect it from fire, enriches its biological and landscape diversity, and is accompanied by ongoing research activity.
In 2012 we decided to integrate another breed (Alpine) in order to increase milk production by crossing this Alpine breed (originating in France) with the local breeds.