Photo credit: José Eduardo Fontes/Rewilding Portugal

Grazing as Fire Prevention: New Evidence

As Europe experiences record-breaking heat waves, the need for fire-smart landscape management has never been more important. In Portugal’s Greater Côa Valley, a recent three-year study has provided compelling evidence that free-roaming horses significantly reduce wildfire risk through their natural grazing behavior. In our previous post, “Horses Lead the Rewilding Charge at Pangea,” we highlighted the role of Sorraia horses in regenerating landscapes, restoring biodiversity, and revitalizing soils. The latest research now clearly shows that horses greatly contribute to mitigating wildfires.

The study, conducted in collaboration with our partners at Rewilding Portugal, found that horse grazing effectively reduces both the density and height of vegetation. This grazing behavior removes the primary fuel that wildfires need to spread, creating natural firebreaks across the landscape. Furthermore, when horses graze alongside other herbivores, the protective effect against wildfires is significantly enhanced.

The Power of Mixed Herbivores

Different grazers prefer different types of vegetation, promoting more diverse plant growth and greater ecosystem resilience. In addition to our Sorraia horses, we recently introduced wild Tauros onto the sanctuary, which aims to restore the ecological role of the extinct aurochs. These robust cattle help control shrub encroachment and maintain open habitats. We also plan to introduce other grazers, such as the critically endangered Somali wild ass. The combined presence of these different species will provide practical, cost-effective solutions that greatly decrease the likelihood and severity of fires.

Additional Benefits of Natural Grazing

The Greater Côa Valley study revealed that grazing by Sorraia horses also increased the abundance of flowering plants, providing more food sources for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Additionally, natural grazing increased soil organic matter and supported the regeneration of native tree species. Why is this important? Because our goal is to create a self-sustaining landscape where all animals at Pangea, including elephants, can roam freely and forage for their own sustenance with little need for human support. With continued collaboration and adaptive management, we are confident Pangea is on the right path to a biodiverse haven where native wildlife and elephants live in balance.

Read the original Portugal News article here.