Nestled on the southwestern slope of Stromboli lies Ginostra, a quaint village with a close-knit community of around forty residents. During the summer months, this small settlement sees its population swell to about a hundred, thanks to the influx of tourists eager to explore its charm. However, this seasonal bustle faces a significant threat: an uncontrollable surge of goats that could soon alter the village’s peaceful existence.
The situation has become alarming, with locals voicing their concerns. "They need to be removed or culled: it’s either them or us," one resident remarked, illustrating the gravity of the issue. Gianluca Giuffrè, the coordinator of the Ginostra Committee, echoed these sentiments during an interview with La Repubblica. "Things have become quite challenging. We used to sleep with our doors open, but now we find goats on our beds." These animals, having descended from the volcanic slopes, are proving to be a serious nuisance.
As they invade homes and gardens, these hungry goats pose a threat to the island’s lush greenery, devouring shrubs, berries, olive tree bark, and caper plants. "My house has three terraces surrounded by a historic olive grove, which the goats are now threatening to destroy. They ravage the caper plants and olive trees, enter our homes, and we find them in our patios and on our terraces," lamented resident Daniela Simoncini.
The goats have even made their way to the beaches, startling and annoying visitors. In July, a group of them caused a landslide near the "Pertuso" harbor, endangering beachgoers. "We were heading to the beach and found ourselves surrounded by dozens of goats," recounted Anna and Marco, sharing their hair-raising experience. "We had a cliff behind us and the animals pushing us back. We managed to keep our cool and escape, but it was terrifying."
The situation has clearly spiraled out of control, a stark contrast to the post-war era when the first two goats were brought to the island for breeding. Now, approximately two thousand wild goats roam the Ginostra territory without any effective management plan in place. Similar challenges are reported on Alicudi, where a regional attempt to capture and relocate the goats yielded no substantial results, as noted by La Gazzetta del Sud.
The goat population is growing uncontrollably, raising fears about the health of the local residents, especially given the number of carcasses found in private gardens. "They come here to die, and it’s up to us citizens to remove and bury them," Daniela Simoncini added with frustration. Earlier this year, a health plan was initiated that involves culling a portion of the goats and relocating others—though opinions differ on whether the goats are as unattractive as some claim.
"To Mayor Riccardo Gullo, this didn’t seem like an emergency, and no action was taken. Now it appears he has changed his mind," Giuffrè stated, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. He recounted an ordinance sent by the mayor, demanding that he dispose of a dead goat on his property and cover it with lime—costing him a hundred euros. Another hundred was needed for a second carcass found on a nearby plot, the owner of which remains unknown.
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Jason R. Parker is a curious and creative writer who excels at turning complex topics into simple, practical advice to improve everyday life. With extensive experience in writing lifestyle tips, he helps readers navigate daily challenges, from time management to mental health. He believes that every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow.
