Goats Help Manage Vegetation in Pena Park

Why this is here: The park expects the goats to reduce the density of vegetation, encouraging the growth of native plant species and lowering fire risk.

Parques de Sintra – Monte da Lua introduced two goats and one male goat to Pena Park in Sintra, Portugal to help manage vegetation. The animals will practice directed grazing, eating shrubs and invasive plants. This method aims to reduce forest fuel and support the park’s biodiversity.

The project favors a natural approach to land management. It avoids heavy machinery, herbicides, and soil disturbance associated with other methods. Park officials see directed grazing as a way to balance ecosystem health and prevent fires.

Visitors may observe the animals working, which aims to educate the public about sustainability and habitat conservation. Trained handlers will monitor the animals’ health and ensure their safety. Parques de Sintra plans to assess expanding this model to other forested areas under its care.