For the first time in more than 10,000 years, wild horses are again roaming the north-western highlands of Spain. A project has been launched there to reintroduce Przewalski’s horses, the last species of truly wild horses in the world. In 2023, 16 specimens were brought to the province of Guadalajara, while today the herd already numbers 35 animals, and their presence is a very important and meaningful symbol of the rebirth of nature. The return of the horses to Spain is one of the most important revilding projects in Europe.
The aim of the project, run by the Rewilding Spain organisation, is both to rebuild the population of the former species and to restore the ecological balance in a region that has been suffering from depopulation and increasingly frequent fires for years. The return of the Przewalski’s horses is expected to benefit the environment and the local communities, who rediscover the potential of their surroundings.
History of wild horses in Spain
The Cueva de los Casares cave in central Spain, decorated 30,000 years ago by Stone Age people, preserves numerous images of wild horses. These animals disappeared from the landscape 10,000 years ago, probably as a result of mass hunting or domestication. Now, however, they are returning to once again become an integral part of the environment and to support its restoration. The Rewilding Spain project is part of the larger Rewilding Europe network, which aims to restore ecological roles that have been left vacant for millennia. The initiative is led by Pablo Schapira, a biologist with many years of experience in reintroducing species in Africa. Bringing the horses back to their home country, he says, was a special event for him that until recently seemed impossible.
In addition to the Przewalski’s horses, Taurus cattle, bred on the model of the extinct Aurochs, and semi-wild horses have also appeared in the region. All these species perform an important function in maintaining the natural balance of the environment.
Rebuilding the balance and protecting against fires
One of the main objectives of the project is to reduce the threat of fires, which have become more frequent and violent in recent years. In 2005, a fire destroyed more than 13,000 hectares of forest in this part of Spain and cost the lives of 11 people. Przewalski’s horses feed on tall grasses, which easily catch fire in times of drought. Their presence prevents overgrowth of grassland and thus reduces the risk of fire spreading. Taurus cattle, on the other hand, gnaw shrubs, knock down young trees and thin out scrub, creating a more diverse landscape where fire encounters natural barriers. Combined with the activities of deer and semi-wild horses, the result is a mosaic of grassland, scrub and woodland that promotes biological diversity and is more resistant to fire.
Rewilding Spain currently has grazing rights on 23,000 hectares and plans to expand to 30,000 hectares by 2030. Ultimately, the initiative aims to cover as much as 850,000 hectares.
Wild horses as new prospects for “empty Spain”
The region in which Rewilding Spain operates is one of the most sparsely populated in Europe. For many of its inhabitants, the project has become an opportunity for a new livelihood. The initiative has employed 20 people, mostly local residents.
The organisation also works with local entrepreneurs and supports the development of ecotourism. Microloans are provided for business development, including the purchase of vehicles to organise safaris where tourists can observe herds of Taurus horses and cattle. The aim of these activities is to revitalise the economy and change the image of the region, which until now has been seen as desolate, unattractive and without a future.
Wild horses and the future of the project
Rewilding Spain is planning to expand its activities to include more species. Preparations are underway to rebuild the rabbit population to create the conditions for the return of the Iberian lynx, one of Europe’s most endangered predators. The organisation is also working to reintroduce the chestnut-backed and bearded vultures, which will play an important role in maintaining environmental balance.
As Diego Rodriguez, in charge of monitoring the project, points out, the main idea is to restore natural processes so that in the future the landscape can function on its own, without constant human interference.
After thousands of years, the nature of the Iberian Mountains is beginning to resemble that recorded by humans in prehistoric paintings. In the open spaces, herds of wild horses can again be seen galloping, Taurus cattle are digging up the ground with their horns, and lynx and vultures may return in the future. It is a very optimistic view and a hope that man will be able to rebuild what he has destroyed.
Source: resilience.com, news.mongabay.com
Also read: Spain | Interesting facts | Ecology | Animals | whiteMAD on Instagram
