Home range and movement patterns of Lao Indigenous goats in Central regions

Abstract

In pastoral agricultural systems, understanding the movement and mixing of animal cohorts is essential for interpreting mating patterns in free-roaming herds or flocks, as these factors influence genetic diversity and levels of inbreeding. This study recorded five-minute interval GPS data from August 2022 to July 2023 for 54 local goats in Central Laos. The aim was to assess the home range size of local goats across different seasons, sexes, and management practices in five villages within the region. The findings not only provide insights into mating patterns but also highlight variations in goat management practices among smallholder systems, even within the same area. Further investigation, including actual visualization of animals, could offer valuable insights into the behaviour of Lao native goats.