In 2014, William Simpson II had an extraordinary encounter with wild horses in the Soda Mountain Wilderness area. While at his cabin near the California-Oregon border, Simpson heard the unmistakable screams of a mountain lion in the night. Intrigued, he grabbed a flashlight and ventured outside. To his surprise, he was greeted by three black stallions staring right at him with their big blue eyes, standing seven feet off the ground. This encounter prompted Simpson to delve into the world of wild horses, studying them for over 15,000 hours and becoming an unofficial expert in the process.
Having grown up on a ranch and spent time with domestic horses, Simpson was unaware of the nocturnal habits of wild horses, who actively avoid predators during the night. Through his close observations, Simpson not only familiarized himself with their physical attributes but also developed an understanding of their crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Despite being often seen as nuisances, Simpson believes that wild horses have a positive impact on the landscape, particularly in preventing wildfires.
While North America once harbored native wild horses, they went extinct approximately 10,000 years ago. However, in the 16th century, European settlers brought domesticated horses to the continent, and the population grew exponentially. Today, various groups perceive wild horses differently, with some considering them a reintroduced native species and others viewing them more negatively as feral animals. As of now, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for managing the approximately 64,000 wild horses on its lands. This involves implementing birth control measures and occasional culls, which sparks controversy among stakeholders.
Erick Lundgren, a postdoc at Aarhus University, explains that large animals like wild horses once dominated the landscape. Their presence played a crucial role in the ecosystem’s metabolism, where grass, shrubs, and other biomass were either consumed by herbivores or burned. Since the extinction of these large herbivores, wildfire incidents have dramatically increased. Lundgren suggests that reintroducing large grazers, such as wild horses, could potentially reduce the occurrence of fires. Within 35 million years, wild horses suddenly vanished, only to reappear in recent times.
Simpson claims that he has witnessed the horses’ ability to mitigate fire impacts firsthand. During the 2018 Klamathon Fire, he noticed that the trees the wild horses used for shelter remained unscathed. Their grazing activities effectively cleared the fuels around the trees, preventing the fire from reaching them. In contrast, other untouched trees became highly flammable and served as kindling. Fire-response teams even strategically parked their equipment in grazing areas preferred by the horses, taking advantage of the reduced fuel for added protection. Simpson attributes his property’s survival to the wild horses.
Currently, the US Forest Service does not have specific grazing programs designed for fire prevention. Nonetheless, Simpson proposes releasing large herds of horses into forests intended for timber production. By removing horses from rangelands, where conflicts with cattle arise, and placing them where they can best benefit the environment, Simpson believes they can fulfill their natural roles. That is, consuming flammable cheatgrass and diminishing fire risk by removing lower branches of trees. Similarly, managed grazing, such as employing feral-goat populations, could have mitigated the devastating fire conditions experienced in Maui due to drought and non-native grasses.
Although conservationists generally prefer native species to restore ecosystems, other invasive, feral, or domesticated species can occupy niches left by extinct or threatened animals. For instance, Australian saltwater crocodiles, previously near extinction, have rebounded, partly due to their feeding on feral pigs. Likewise, Florida’s endangered snail kites have begun recovering due to an invasive snail species. These pest animals, besides being prey, serve additional ecological purposes. Studies in Australia have demonstrated how feral water buffalo enhance tree growth rates and reduce tree mortality rates following fires. Even the controversial case of hippos in Colombia showcases their potential influence on local ecosystems as “ecosystem engineers.”
In the United States, animal grazing will only play a minor role in fire management plans. However, considering the requested fire-prevention budget of $4.3 billion for 2024, even a minor contribution can be significant. In Europe, the concept of reducing fires aligns with the broader idea of “rewilding,” which seeks to restore human-disturbed landscapes by integrating domesticated or feral animals. Natural grazing, regardless of the species involved, results in improved diversity of plants, bushes, and trees, preventing a single species from dominating. Rewilding Europe has seen substantial changes by strategically moving small herds of wild horses in Portugal to reduce flammable biomass and lower fire risk. The challenge lies in determining the appropriate management system for these animals.
The notion of utilizing non-native species or wild and introduced organisms for ecological purposes faces significant stigma. However, Lundgren argues that belonging, a concept rooted in nativism rather than science, should not dictate our perception of these species. Instead, diversifying the world through their presence and the changes they bring can foster a thriving ecosystem. Embracing this perspective may involve refraining from exterminating barred owls competing with threatened spotted owls and allowing natural shifts in animal ranges, such as the northward movement of opossums into Canada. Feral or invasive animals, once established, can potentially fulfill important ecological roles.
Lundgren’s studies on feral donkeys in the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts demonstrate the positive outcomes of these population shifts. Their well-digging behavior not only increases water availability for all species but also promotes the growth of riparian trees. Although some individuals may protest against species that are not considered native, Lundgren emphasizes that this sentiment stems from nativism rather than scientific reasoning. By embracing a wilder and more diverse world, we can work towards a harmonious coexistence with nature.
Throughout history, humans have shaped wilderness areas through various practices, including the careful management of plants and controlled burns by Native peoples. Despite the inevitable footprints we leave on the land, we can evolve into custodians rather than adversaries, embracing the changes we bring. Lundgren warns against stigmatizing wild and introduced organisms without exploring the potential benefits they may offer. As we rapidly transform the planet, we must not hinder the ability of other living beings to adapt alongside it. By cultivating a more open-minded mindset, we have the opportunity to create a wilder, diverse, and ultimately healthier world.
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