Gould, M.S., Hill, M.G., & Newbery, D.M. 1983 The goat and the coccid: interactions between two introduced herbivores and the vegetation of Aldabra Atoll.. Atoll Research Bulletin No. 273: 247-254.
Notes: Feeding preferences of two introduced, taxonomically remote herbivores were examined on Aldabra Atoll, in the western Indian Ocean. Both the feral goats (Capra hircus) and the coccids Icerya seychellarum exhibited clear preferences as to which plant species were fed upon, and these preferences overlapped to some extent. Although the individual actions of goats and coccids did not contribute directly to plant mortality, the combined effect of these two herbivores may be enough to jeopardize the survival of preferred, susceptible plant species, and thus may alter community structure on the atoll. When given a choice, a captive goat preferred coccid-infested vegetation to uninfested vegetation.