THE GALLOPING 'FIREFIGHTERS'

Spain's wild horses in peril despite key role in wildfire prevention

The wildfires that used to burn each summer in the woods above the Spanish village of Barro have diminished to almost none since Lucia Perez started grazing wild horses there.

"There used to be fires every year, but since 2019, when we started coming here, we've had one small fire in the first year and nothing since," said Perez, 37, explaining how by clearing the undergrowth between the trees the horses help stop fires igniting and spreading.

By helping prevent fire, wild horses play a key role in preserving the northwestern region of Galicia's delicate ecosystems, scientists say. But Europe's largest herd of wild horses has dwindled to less than half the 22,000 that roamed its mountains, forests and heathlands in the 1970s.

"Studies show that where wild horses graze, the heath's biodiversity increases," said Laura Lagos, a researcher at the University of A Coruna. "They are a fundamental part of the ecosystem. They benefit both the flora and the fauna associated with these open spaces."

Drier, hotter weather due to climate change is increasing the frequency of wildfires in Galicia. The region lost 96,900 hectares due to fires between 2001 and 2023, according to Global Forest Watch.

This has coincided with the proliferation in Galicia of the Eucalyptus tree, a pyrophyte species that depends on fires to help it release and spread seeds. Eucalyptus trees also reduce pasture for the horses as only ferns grow under them.

Protecting the horses

In time, humans and horses developed a relationship. Known as "besteiros" in the Galician dialect, people would look out for the health of the free-roaming horses.

Increasing the number of horses could even save the government money, said Melina Barrio, an economist at the University of Alcala.

Galicia's regional government acknowledged the role wild horses play in preventing forest fires and preserving ecosystems, but said the current legislation was adequate for their conservation because the horses can generate an income (for their owners) by being sold or through tourism during the rapa das bestas, meaning "shaving of the beasts", a Spanish festival.

"Although these animals are bred in the wild, in reality they have an owner and there is an economic benefit," the government said in an emailed statement.

However, Niko Souto, 41, who runs a yard in the village of Amil, said his family does not make a profit. The proceeds help pay for fencing to stop the horses wandering onto roads or farmlands.

Costs, including vet fees, insurance, fencing, microchipping and GPS equipment for tracking, are multiplying too, Souto said.

Carlos Souto, Niko's father, said the horses were descending from the hills more frequently in search of pastures as Eucalyptus plantations spread — meaning they needed more minding.

The horses are classified as livestock and Javier Alvarez-Blazquez, a retired lawyer who owns ten horses, wants new legislation that recognizes their unique circumstances.

Alvarez-Blazquez said without the besteiros, the horses would die, killed by cars or local farmers angry at them for transgressing onto their crops and tree plantations.

"We are guardians, doing it as a hobby. Our only aim is to preserve this animal that we believe is an ecological jewel," he said.

Agencies Via Xinhua