Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Spain Revives Native Livestock to Combat Wildfires
In Spain, communities are bringing back native animals like Cachena cows and goats to help prevent wildfires.
These animals eat plants that can catch fire easily, keeping the land safer.
The region of Galicia has seen a big increase in these animals since the 1990s.
The government helps farmers by giving them incentives to keep and breed these animals.
This method is part of a bigger effort to manage the land better and reduce the risk of wildfires, which have been getting worse because of climate change.
Communities in Galicia, Spain, are reintroducing native livestock like Cachena cows and goats to prevent wildfires.
The population of native livestock has increased from 1,800 in the late 1990s to over 30,000 by early 2026.
Cachena cows, known as 'goat-cows,' are particularly effective at grazing on flammable undergrowth.
The regional government provides incentives to farmers to breed and maintain native livestock populations.
This method is part of a broader strategy that includes mechanical thinning and controlled burning to manage land and reduce wildfire risks.
- Who
- Communities in Galicia, Spain, and regional governments
- What
- Reintroduction of native livestock to prevent wildfires
- When
- Late 1990s to early 2026
- Where
- Galicia, Spain, and other regions like Andalusia, Catalonia, and Castile-La Mancha
- Why
- To rebalance ecosystems and reduce wildfire risks by grazing on flammable undergrowth
Traditional Livestock Breeding
Modern Industrial Forestry
Wildfire Prevention
Traditional Livestock Breeding
Native livestock like Cachena cows and goats effectively graze on flammable undergrowth, reducing wildfire risks.
Modern Industrial Forestry
Mass plantation of pine and eucalyptus trees for industrial uses has led to overgrown, flammable terrain.
Economic Incentives
Traditional Livestock Breeding
Regional governments provide incentives to farmers to breed and maintain native livestock populations.
Modern Industrial Forestry
Industrial forestry prioritizes profit over ecosystem health, leading to increased wildfire risks.
- Region
- Galicia, Spain
- Native Livestock Population
- Over 30,000 (as of early 2026)
- Cachena Cows Population
- 8,000 (as of early 2026)
- Land Managed by Collectives
- 700,000 hectares
- Wildfire Impact in 2025
- Worst year for fires in Spain
- Land Burned in 2025
- 119,000 hectares
- Temperature Increase
- 5.6°C above 1961-1990 levels in July