Reasons to be Cheerful · Mens en maatschappij

The Goat-Cow Is Spain’s Wildfire-Fighting Secret Weapon

In Galicia, Spain, a community is reintroducing the native Cachena cow, nicknamed "goat-cows," to combat increasingly severe wildfires. These small, hardy bovines, once near extinction, are now grazing on flammable undergrowth to reduce fire risk.

Galicia, a densely forested region in northwest Spain, has been ravaged by wildfires in recent years, with 2025 seeing approximately 118,000 hectares burn. The community of Vincios is deploying Cachena cows, known for their varied diet and ability to navigate steep terrain, to manage vegetation. These cows, along with goats and sheep, were reintroduced in 2023 after a devastating 2017 fire prompted the community to seek natural solutions.

The Cachena breed, Spain's smallest cow, was once common but declined due to shifts in land use and rural migration. Their grazing habits naturally clear overgrown vegetation, which, combined with climate change-induced arid conditions, has fueled fire risk. The reintroduction of various grazing mammals aims to reduce flammable undergrowth and create firebreaks.

While the effectiveness of this silvopastoralism approach is still being evaluated long-term, initial results are promising, with no serious fires reported since the reintroduction. This method is gaining traction globally as wildfires become more frequent and intense across Europe, with studies in Sardinia and California showing reduced fire severity and probability due to grazing.

Experts note that a mix of herbivores, including sheep and horses, is necessary as different animals consume different types of vegetation. Challenges remain, such as controlling grazing areas to prevent overgrazing or harm to biodiversity, and potential human-animal conflict. Critics also raise concerns about the carbon footprint of livestock, but proponents argue that immediate action against wildfires is paramount.

The Vincios community plans to quadruple its livestock numbers and has also planted less flammable chestnut trees and installed beehives to support biodiversity. This multi-faceted approach, combining grazing with other preventative measures, is seen as crucial for effective wildfire defense.

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