Unconventional Wildfire Remedy: Unleashing Herbivores as a Containment Strategy

In the face of increasing global heat and aridity, wildfire outbreaks are multiplying. Is restoration of wild habitats a potential answer?

, and Administrator

2025 September 16 . 10:43 PM

2 min read

Unconventional Wildfire Approach: Liberating Herbivores for Wild Roaming

Unconventional Wildfire Remedy: Unleashing Herbivores as a Containment Strategy

In a world where wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense, a novel approach is gaining traction: rewilding. This concept involves reintroducing species that once roamed the land, or using proxies when said species are extinct, as a means to combat wildfires.

15,000 years ago, Earth's landscape was dominated by large herbivores, such as eight-thousand-pound ground sloths and woolly mammoths. Fast forward to the present, and the rewilding initiative in the Greater Côa Valley, Portugal, is seeing success. Since 2017, the region has not experienced a wildfire, a significant change from the past.

The rewilding project in the Greater Côa Valley includes the introduction of herbivores like the Sorraia horse and the Tauros. These animals, through their grazing, help limit fuel for fires and potentially serve as natural fire breaks in the landscape. They also play a crucial role in shaping the vegetation composition, creating a mosaic of different habitats.

The benefits of herbivore grazing extend beyond wildfire management. For instance, a recent study found that semi-wild horse grazing effectively managed vegetation composition and reduced wildfire risk in the Greater Côa Valley. Moreover, the shift in vegetation caused by grazing attracts pollinators, creating a cascade of invertebrates.

However, it's essential to approach rewilding projects with caution. A literature review found that unintended consequences are common when deliberately introducing species to ecosystems. These can include the extirpation of local species, the spreading of pests and parasites, and exacerbating human-wildlife conflict.

In the arid hills of northern Portugal, the conservation group Rewilding Portugal is advocating for the introduction of grazing herbivores to counteract the effects of land abandonment and dense scrub growth. This initiative is not unique to Portugal. The idea of introducing herbivores to reduce wildfire risk is gaining traction in California, where ecologists and conservationists are exploring the potential benefits.

A bipartisan group of senators from various states in the U.S., including California, Kansas, Hawaii, and Oklahoma, have introduced federal legislation promoting wildfire mitigation through grazing. However, the bill centres on domestic livestock like goats and cattle, rather than wild herbivores.

Looking to the future, Rewilding Portugal plans to introduce European bison, ibex, and beavers to the region. The organisation also advocates for the reintroduction and support of the Iberian wolf and Iberian lynx populations. These predators are crucial for the rewilding initiative as they move herbivores around the landscape and prevent overgrazing.

As the world grapples with the increasing threat of wildfires, rewilding offers a promising solution. However, it's essential to conduct thorough research and consider the potential unintended consequences before implementing such projects. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that extreme wildfire activity has more than doubled in the past 20 years, making the need for innovative solutions more urgent than ever.