| Methods |
Artificial mineral licks (salt blocks) were established to test if minerals are limiting in the areas currently not used by goats. Approximately 25 salt blocks were placed at 10 treatment sites and 5 salt blocks were placed at 3 control sites in August 1999; 8 treatment sites were replenished with salt in May 2003 and 2005. Helicopter surveys to assess the number and distribution of goats were conducted in July 1998 (pre-treatment) and September 2003 (post-treatment). Goat use of the artificial lick sites was assessed by the presence and abundance of goat sign (hair, tracks and fecal pellets) in August 2001 and September 2003. A repeat survey is to occur in 2007. If the number and distribution of goats are found to increase as a result of these artificial mineral licks, more permanent solutions will be investigated. For example, investigate if unexposed, naturally occurring mineral veins occur in the area's geology and, if they do, use blasting to expose these suitable minerals. |
