Goats Help Combat Wildfires in Tenerife
Every morning, around eight, a cloud of dust rises around the La Pedrera farm, located in an area known as Los Penascos Altos in the municipality of El Rosario. This cloud is created by over a thousand goats belonging to farmers José Antonio Sánchez and Ana Luz Gutiérrez as they head out to graze. Although their primary aim is to feed, they are unknowingly performing a vital role in preventing wildfires. This is why they are referred to as the firefighter goats.
A Community Initiative
The El Rosario Town Council has transformed this ancient practice into a crucial tool for reducing fire hazards and protecting nearby communities. In fact, they have established financial aid—a grant of €2,000 per farm per year—to encourage this essential work, which, according to Mayor Escolástico Gil, is “crucial” in minimising danger.
A Collective Effort
Several farmers, including the couple José Antonio Sánchez and Ana Luz Gutiérrez, are active participants in this initiative. “When the 2023 wildfire broke out, which ultimately devastated a significant portion of the Forest Crown of Tenerife, and the flames approached homes, I came here with the Guardia Civil to determine which houses and farms needed to be evacuated. Fortunately, there was no need at La Pedrera. The surrounding area was free from dry grass, thanks to the daily efforts of José Antonio and Ana’s herd,” the mayor recalls.
A Holistic Approach
“It’s not just the goats,” Ana Gutiérrez clarifies. “In the morning, they graze, but in the afternoon, it’s the hundreds of sheep we have on the farm.” This has resulted in a several-kilometre radius around them being devoid of grass and with very few visible shrubs. “We do this naturally for the animals to eat but have always been aware of its significance in reducing the risk of wildfires threatening our property and that of our neighbours,” adds José Antonio.
Continuing a Legacy
This couple has inherited a legacy that has always been tied to farming. They are assured that this legacy will continue into the next generation, as their sons, Eduardo and Antonio, are already heavily involved in the challenging work of livestock farming. “It’s a very demanding lifestyle,” Ana explains. “We wake up at four every morning and dedicate all day to the livestock. We also have pigs.”
High-Quality Produce
Grazing freely and consuming this vegetation has another benefit: it enhances the quality of the milk and cheese produced at La Pedrera. In fact, their cheeses have won awards. In 2022, La Pedrera received a gold medal at the Tenerife Cheese Competition, held at the Pinolere fair (La Orotava), for their aged raw goat and sheep milk cheese. To purchase these delicacies, one can simply visit the La Esperanza market, where Ana sells them every weekend.
Preventative Measures
The herd spreads down the hillside, with the goats grazing even the roots. The udders of some females nearly touch the ground. “They are pregnant,” José Antonio explains, noting that he will need to milk them carefully to preserve their milk for when the kids are born. “In the past, wildfires weren’t as much of a threat to properties because there was more livestock activity, and the land surrounding villages near the mountains, like this one, was cleaner,” he reminisces. “Reviving the sector would enhance prevention measures,” Escolástico Gil notes. “It’s complex, but we must create conditions to promote it,” he concludes.
