In the northwest of Spain, a surprising animal has protected a village from wildfires. According to Al Jazeera, grazing wild horses are the reason why wildfires have decreased in the village of Barro.
Residents in the village have observed the positive impact grazing wild horses has had on the local ecosystem.
"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," Lucia Perez told Al Jazeera.
The village of Barro is located in Galicia, a region in Spain known for its lush forests. In this area of Spain, the ecosystems are "delicate," according to Al Jazeera, making them even more vulnerable to wildfires.
Since the horses clear and eat the undergrowth, they play a key role in fire prevention. By consuming plants prone to burning, such as the yellow flowers of gorse, they help stop wildfires from starting and spreading.
Wild horses in Galicia don't just help prevent fires. They also serve the ecosystem in other ways.
Stay hydrated and refreshed this holiday season — without any sugar or harmful additives Nuun’s zero-sugar hydration tablets are a perfect, guilt-free way to enhance your water throughout the day. You’ll get five essential electrolytes for everyday hydration — with zero grams of sugar. Plus, Nuun tablets are certified vegan and gluten-free, and they’re the perfect size to keep in your car, purse, or anywhere you'll want a healthy, restorative drink. Learn more → |
"[Horse grazing] also helps preserve the heather around peat bogs, which are abundant in sphagnum mosses — one of the most effective ecosystems for capturing carbon," Laura Lagos, a researcher at the University of A Coruna, told Al Jazeera.
The wild horses in Galicia are well-adapted to the region's rocky and rough terrain, making them the most effective at minimizing fire risk. In fact, Lagos explained how their mustaches protect their lips, allowing them to consume gorse despite its prickly exterior.
Despite the important role wild horses play in Galicia, their presence is decreasing in the area. Al Jazeera noted that during the 1970s, 22,000 wild horses grazed the forests; however, today, only half of the population remains.
Rising global temperatures are also threatening the region, as hotter, drier conditions increase wildfire risk.
There's a reason dermatologists personally use this daily moisturizing sunscreen more than any other brand Dermatologists see and understand skin at a much deeper level than the rest of us, and they know that the perfect SPF both protects and corrects your skin. That's why they trust, recommend, and personally use EltaMD more than any other brand. EltaMD's clinically tested formulas are designed with dermatologists to meet the needs of any skin type or condition. They're also designed for consistent daily wear to build long-term resilience with a moisturizing, lightweight, non-comedogenic texture — plus hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Learn more → |
|
Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Absolutely 💯 "The growing risks of climate change, habitat loss, and declining herd numbers highlight the urgent need to protect both the horses and the ecosystems they sustain," writes Al Jazeera.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
