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Cyprus is turning to an unlikely firefighter: the goat.
In the wake of devastating summer wildfires in the Limassol mountains, the Agriculture Ministry has launched a pilot program that uses goat herds to help reduce fire risks. The animals will be fitted with GPS collars to track their movements as they graze in areas prone to blazes.
The project, now underway in the Dillirga region, is modeled on a similar effort in Spain’s Catalonia, where grazing has been used to clear out dry brush that can fuel wildfires.
“Over the years, with farms abandoned and fewer animals in the countryside, we’ve seen a dangerous buildup of dry grass and weeds,” said Agriculture Department Director Makis Antoniadis, according to local media. “That’s why fires spread so quickly.”
By reintroducing managed grazing, officials hope the goats will act as natural “lawnmowers,” trimming down vegetation that poses a fire hazard, especially in areas bordering forest land.
The pilot will run through 2026, during which time officials will study whether the program makes a measurable difference. The goats’ GPS trackers will provide data on how effectively they clear grazing zones. If successful, the scheme could be expanded to other regions in 2027, with basic infrastructure such as water points added to support herders.
Beyond fire prevention, the ministry also sees the project as a way to support struggling rural communities and keep the countryside alive.
For now, the four-legged firefighters are still being tested, but if all goes well, Cyprus may soon have a new ally in its battle against wildfires: goats with GPS.
*With information from Kibris Postasi
