In response to the challenge of forest fires and the need to maintain clean woodlands, Benarrabá has implemented a pilot program using goats for forest conservation. The initiative aims to complement the prevention efforts carried out by Infoca.
Lack of profitability and bureaucracy had led to the abandonment of livestock farming and, consequently, the neglect of the mountain areas. Faced with this situation, the council decided to reintroduce livestock into the forests, utilizing its more than 600 hectares of public mountain land, an area difficult to manage with the resources available to a town of 466 inhabitants.
The pilot experience, which began with 30 goats, has shown positive results. Preparations are now underway for a second goat pen to expand the herd to 300 animals, which will allow for management of a considerably larger land area. Currently, the goats graze on approximately 30 hectares of municipal mountain land.
Due to a shortage of personnel for herding, a council member is responsible for the tasks, as milking is not performed. The objective is breeding to increase the number of goats without requiring significant investment. 22 kids have already been added to the herd.
To optimize herd management, the council has introduced an electronic herding system. Through collars on each goat, virtual fences can be established, and the activity and location of each animal can be monitored in real-time. The mayor of Benarrabá, Silvestre Barroso, explained that this system allows for controlling the goats and changing their grazing areas without the need for physical presence, although daily on-site checks are maintained.
