Small Italian island of Alicudi offers a unique solution to the problem of overpopulated goats. The island, with an area of 5.2 sq km and home to 100 inhabitants, has seen a shift in the ratio of goats to islanders from 1:1 to 1:6 in favor of the goats. Introduced to the island about 20 years ago by a farmer who later released them, the goats have multiplied rapidly and become a nuisance, invading residential areas, getting into houses and destroying greenery in gardens.
To address this issue, the regional government of Sicily has implemented a program where those interested in taking a goat home can apply by email and pay a fee of 16 euros. Applications will be considered until April 10, and successful applicants will have 15 days to catch and remove the goats from the island. This initiative aims to reduce the numbers of goats on the island and mitigate their impact on local community.
The rapid increase in goat population has led to an imbalance on Alicudi. Once featured on postcards as landmarks, these animals now pose problems for residents. The government’s adoption program hopes to restore balance between people and animals while preserving beauty and tranquility of this small paradise.
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