Could Horses Aid in Invasive Plant Control?

Researchers say horses could help control some invasive species while maintaining good body weight.
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Could Horses Aid in Invasive Plant Control?
Horses could help control certain kinds of invasive plant species. | Photo Credit: Courtesy Dr. Rafael Celaya
Got brush? Think horses.

Spanish researchers say some horses could help control certain kinds of invasive plant species, and even help reduce wildfire spread in minimal-grass brushland areas, while still maintaining good body weight.

“Horse grazing could be beneficial from an ecological point of view in brushlands, reducing the invasive potential of gorse bushes and the risk of fire, and it could enhance local floristic diversity,” said Rafael Celaya, PhD, researcher at the Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario, in Villaviciosa, Spain.

His research team recently investigated the effects of brushlands grazing on 24 Spanish broodmares, half of which were lactating. They found that this population of horses efficiently reduced western gorse and heather—invasive and fire-prone brush plants that have proliferated in mountainous areas because of deforestation and rural abandonment

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Passionate about horses and science from the time she was riding her first Shetland Pony in Texas, Christa Lesté-Lasserre writes about scientific research that contributes to a better understanding of all equids. After undergrad studies in science, journalism, and literature, she received a master’s degree in creative writing. Now based in France, she aims to present the most fascinating aspect of equine science: the story it creates. Follow Lesté-Lasserre on Twitter @christalestelas.

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