A new scientific study developed by researchers from the Research Institute of Hunting Resources (IREC-CSIC), along with several Spanish universities, concludes that traditional extensive livestock farming contributes positively to biodiversity and can help reduce the spread of diseases in ecosystems.
The research, published in the scientific journal Journal of Environmental Management, analyzed 18 areas of the Iberian Peninsula and demonstrates that where extensive grazing with ruminant livestock—sheep, goats, or cattle—is practiced, there is greater diversity of wild mammals and a lower presence of certain pathogens.
The study indicates that the presence of extensive livestock helps balance ecosystems and prevents the overpopulation of wild ungulates, a phenomenon that can promote the transmission of diseases between wildlife, livestock, and humans.
The researchers also observed that in areas without extensive livestock farming, wild boars showed a higher prevalence of pathogens and greater indicators of inflammation and infectious pressure.
The authors emphasize that traditional grazing not only has economic and social value for rural areas, but also acts as a land management tool and contributes to environmental sustainability, public health, and the resilience of agri-food systems.
We particularly value this type of research, which highlights the strategic role of extensive livestock farming in land conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable food production.
