Kiko Goats Control Invasive Plants

A significant change was made to the ecosystem at Blackmun Prairie Wildlife Area in Ackley, Iowa, when kiko goats were confined to 10 acres of remnant prairie. The goats eat invasive trees, shrubs and other plants to extinction, allowing native grasses to thrive and grow a new healthy ecosystem. Goats prefer to eat broadleaf and woody stemmed plants. Oftentimes they eat the higher portion of the plant which allows light to shine through and encourages the growth of native plants and grasses. In addition, their droppings are great fertilizer. This unique solution also helps prevent the fields from reverting to forest.

• How do kiko goats support and promote a healthy ecosystem?

• What does the term ”invasive” mean?
• How does the definition apply to an ecosystem and the plants within it? Is there a better and safer way to remove invasive plants from an ecosystem?

Students could:

• Research the best animal to grassland (acre) ratio to promote the most efficient plant removal.
• Visit a nearby wildlife preserve or park to discover what plants and grasses are native to their area. Students can take pictures and record what they find.
• Research if another animal would be more efficient in removing invasive plants.
• Research why some plants spread more aggressively than others and why some take over an area more quickly than others.
• Study the four main landscapes (mountains, hills, plateaus, and plains) providing details of the threats and challenges of each type of landscape and sharing what promotes a healthy ecosystem for each.

• Iowa DNR | Forest Invasive Species Guide: Students can explore the DNR Forestry Invasive Plants Database.
• Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation | 5 of Iowa's most invasive species: Students can learn about the most common invasive plants in Iowa.
• Ecological Landscape Alliance | Goats as an Ecological Management Option for Invasive Plants: Students can learn about goat and invasive plant management.
• PBS LearningMedia | Iowa Land and Sky: Upcycling Invasive Species: Learn about taking an invasive species or a non-native species here in Iowa parks and reusing it to feed animals at the zoo.