In the Galicia region of northwestern Spain, wild horses are proving to be crucial in protecting delicate ecosystems and reducing the risk of wildfires. These horses, a symbol of the region’s rich biodiversity, have been shown to help reduce fire hazards by grazing on the undergrowth, preventing the spread of flames during dry periods.

Historically, wildfires have been a persistent problem in Galicia, particularly in the forests above the village of Barro. However, since wild horses began grazing in the area, the frequency of these fires has dramatically decreased. In fact, the area has seen a significant reduction in wildfires, with only one small fire in the first year after the horses were introduced.

Wild horses are particularly effective at clearing the underbrush between trees, removing dry vegetation that fuels wildfires. The grazing habits of these horses help to maintain a healthier ecosystem by preventing the build-up of combustible plant material. This role is especially important in Galicia, a region known for its fragile ecosystems, which include peat bogs rich in carbon-absorbing sphagnum mosses.

Scientific research supports the vital ecological role of these wild horses. A study conducted by the University of A Coruna highlighted that the grazing of wild horses is the most effective method for preventing wildfires while also promoting plant biodiversity and capturing carbon. The horses feed on plants such as gorse, a highly flammable species, and by clearing these plants, they reduce fire risks. Additionally, their grazing allows other plant species, such as heather and asphodels, to flourish, further contributing to biodiversity.

While other animals like sheep and cattle can also help with grazing, wild horses are uniquely adapted to the challenging terrain of Galicia. Their physical characteristics, such as their specially designed lips that protect them from the prickly gorse, make them particularly suited for the task. The horses are able to navigate the rugged landscapes of Galicia’s heathlands and mountains, areas that are difficult for domesticated animals to access.

In recent years, however, the population of wild horses in the region has significantly declined. In the 1970s, about 22,000 wild horses roamed the mountains and forests of Galicia, but today, their numbers have halved. This decline is partly due to the proliferation of eucalyptus trees, which were introduced to the region in the 19th century. Eucalyptus trees, which are highly flammable, have spread rapidly and increased the risk of wildfires. They also compete with native vegetation, reducing grazing areas for wild horses, as only ferns grow beneath them.

The role of wild horses in fire prevention has become more critical as climate change has led to hotter and drier conditions, increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires in the region. Between 2001 and 2023, wildfires burned through nearly 1,000 square kilometers of Galicia. This trend, combined with the expansion of eucalyptus plantations, underscores the urgent need to protect both the wild horses and the fragile ecosystems they help maintain.

A 2021 study found that wild horse grazing is the most effective method for preventing wildfires, promoting biodiversity, and capturing carbon.

For centuries, wild horses have been an integral part of Galicia’s cultural and ecological landscape. Today, as climate change and habitat loss threaten their survival, it is increasingly important to safeguard these animals and their natural habitats to ensure the continued health of the region’s ecosystems and reduce the risk of devastating wildfires.