Spatio-temporal behavior of goats in forest pasture of northern Morocco

Grazing is associated with significantly different physical activities compared to confined goats. These activities are rarely studied despite their importance in the management and use of pastoral resources. The purpose of this study was to characterize the spatio-temporal movement and the distance travelled by goats in forest pasture of northern Morocco. To accomplish this work, eight goats were equipped with GPS collars, for 3 days during the spring and summer. The grazing area and distance travelled were estimated higher in summer compared to spring. This can be explained by low forage supply in pasture during drought season. The results obtained will be very useful to the enrichment of our database in order to develop a model for the rational management of silvopastoral resources in northern Morocco.