FERAL goats are being shot in Belair National Park because they are causing extensive damage to orchids and other vegetation.

Crews of trained shooters started hunting the animals – believed to have been illegally dumped in the park – late last month and continued last week, according to the Environment Department.

The department sent a letter to residents living near the national park informing them the shooting would take place on weekdays during early daylight.

“Control operations … will be undertaken by trained, experienced and professional operators who have worked in other national parks,” the letter read.

“Management will include targeted shooting and the trapping and transporting of goats out of the park.”

National parks ranger Jen Pitman said the goats had only been identified as an issue three years ago and attempts to control their population with traps alone had failed.

Animals that had been trapped were transported to goat-suitable properties on the suburban fringe.

media_camera Feral goats in the Flinders Ranges National Park. Picture: File

“They cause extensive damage to native vegetation, having a detrimental impact on habitat, particularly on species of orchid,” Ms Pitman said.

“Their movement also results in erosion, contributes to the spread of weeds and can present a public safety risk to park users.”

She said the number of shooting expeditions would depend on the success of the first few rounds.

“However, over summer, trapping is likely to be the primary method used,” she said.

“The goat population is believed to be isolated and control efforts will continue until all animals are removed from the park.”

Aussies mourn the loss of Gary the Goat Aussies mourn the loss of Gary the Goat

The shooting of goats has so far taken place between Mondays and Thursdays on the eastern side of Saddle Hill Track, including on Thursday morning last week.

The area was closed to the public during the shooting operation.

Following complaints from visitors to the park and the environmental impact, a management plan was created in 2015.

Feral deer have also been shot in Belair National Park.

During the past five years, 14 deer had been shot at night, between 9pm and midnight.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said shooting could be a humane method of controling the feral goat population, as long as it was done with good management and oversight in place, and well-trained shooters.