The Difference Between Gorals & Goats

Gorals and goats both belong to the sub-family caprinae which also includes sheep, ibex and muskox. The two species belong to different genera in this sub-family and have a few similarities. On the whole, however, goats and gorals are widely different animals and have a number of differences both physically and behaviorally.

  1. Description

    • Goats and gorals are both medium-sized animals with the largest goat breeds being larger than the average goral. The largest goats grow to 3 1/2 feet at the shoulder, almost 4 feet in length and up to 248 lbs. in weight. In comparison, the largest gorals grow to just over 2 1/5 feet at the shoulder, over 4 feet in length and weigh up to 66 lbs. Some breeds of goats such as dwarf goats, however, are smaller. Gorals are a uniform dark gray to brown color, while goats can be a variety of colors including black, red, brown and white in any combination.

    Habitat and Range

    • The goral is a wild species found in Asia amid the Himalayas, in places such as Pakistan and Bhutan, living in forested and scrub land areas amid mountainous regions. Goats are a domesticated species and can be found worldwide, having been bred to adapt to any climate. Domestic goats can thrive anywhere sources of food and water can be found even if the available food is sparse. The only areas goats cannot survive are deep deserts, arctic tundra and aquatic habitats.

    Diet and Predators

    • Both species are herbivores and will eat a wide range of plant materials including twigs, lichens, roots and herbs. Gorals will eat any plant material they can find as will goats, but they do tend to avoid any that are tainted with feces. Goats being a domestic species will often be fed by humans if suitable grazing is not available. Predators are a threat to both species with the goral having to avoid wolves, leopards, lynx and wild dogs. Goats are at risk from any large predator found in their range including tigers, lions, coyotes, foxes and even large birds of prey.

    Life Cycle

    • Gorals and goats are both social animals. Gorals live in groups that consist of adult females and young; males live in solitude except in the breeding season. Goat groups are determined by humans and can be herds of males, females or a mixture. In mixed groups males will butt heads to establish dominance. Both species produce offspring every 12 to 18 months; goral pregnancies taking up to seven months compared to five in goats. Gorals usually have one offspring, while goats have up to three. The average time to weaning for both species is between four and five months and young stay with the group. Goats and Gorals both live for 15 years on average, with predation playing a bigger part in goral mortality.