Communities in Spain's northwestern Galicia region are bringing back native livestock, including the hardy Cachena breed, to help reduce the risk of devastating wildfires while restoring ecosystems.
Known locally as "goat-cows" for their ability to graze almost anything and navigate steep mountain terrain, the small native cattle are helping to clear dense undergrowth that can fuel fast-moving fires.
The initiative gained momentum after a major wildfire swept through the parish of Vincios in 2017, prompting local landowners to revive traditional grazing practices.
Alongside goats and sheep, Cachena cattle feed on highly flammable shrubs such as brambles, gorse and broom, helping to keep vegetation at safer levels without stripping the landscape bare.
Their return follows decades of decline after large-scale pine and eucalyptus plantations replaced traditional grazing land and rural populations moved to cities.
According to regional livestock association BOAGA, Galicia's native livestock population has grown from just over 1,800 animals in the late 1990s to more than 30,000 by early 2026.
The number of Cachena cattle alone has increased from around 400 to 8,000, supported by government incentives and breeding programmes.
Many of the animals now roam freely wearing GPS collars, allowing them to graze across large areas without the need for fencing.
Galicia remains one of Spain's regions most vulnerable to wildfires. Nearly 119,000 hectares burned last year, making it one of the country's worst-affected regions.
Experts say grazing can significantly reduce wildfire risk but stress it should be combined with other land management measures, including controlled burns and mechanical vegetation clearance.
Local land managers say the approach not only lowers the risk of wildfires but also helps preserve traditional farming practices and biodiversity.
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