Twelve Miranda donkeys to graze fire-prone land around Douro Internacional substation

A dozen Miranda donkeys will graze 30 hectares of the Douro Internacional Natural Park around the Lagoaça electricity substation in Freixo de Espada à Cinta, cutting the vegetation that fuels fires. The five-year project brings together grid operator REN, the donkey-breed association AEPGA and the conservation group Palombar. Six traditional dovecotes will also be restored, to support threatened birds such as Bonelli's eagle and protect rural heritage. Grazing is meant to maintain wetlands, meadows and mountain oak woodland alike. Impact studies and biodiversity monitoring will test whether the approach works, and the partners hope to replicate it elsewhere.