Ecotourism – Following wolves’ tracks on horses

 · Shared by : Tommy Gaillard
 · Last update : 4 April 2022
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DESCRIPTION

16 years ago Pedro and Ana decided to move to Castro Laboreiro where many of the wolves in Portugal live. They never regretted this move - today they have an ecotourism company and offer visitors a unique experience by riding horses through the ‘land of the wolves’.

The region is well known for its high density of wolves and there is also a high number of attacks compared to other areas with wolves around. But Pedro and Anabel wanted to offer horseback rides as well as hiking and trekking tours. Since they are located directly in the mountains, they had to expect heavy weather and a lot of other challenges to own and protect livestock and especially horses. Some people told them that it is crazy to start a tourism business there because the chances for profit are so low.

Today the family owns 18 horses of the Portuguese breeds Lusitano and Garrano. They offer horseback riding tours for small groups as day trips or even longer vacations over several days. In these trips they follow the tracks of the wolves and share their knowledge about the wildlife in the region and especially endangered species.

They also own 12 guardian dogs who make sure that the horses are safe. In the daytime they often release the horses but they always make sure to get them back to the stable before the night falls. Newborn horses will stay close to the house until they are big enough to be outside too. The project requires the help of all four family members and a strict protocol to ensure that the animals are save but it also shows that it is possible.

In 17 years, Pedro and Anabela never lost an animal to wolves. With their discipline and 12 guardian dogs they offer nearly no chance for an attack even for a pack which might be attracted to try it. There are still damages that occur at the farms nearby, but most of them result from a bad adaptation of measures and in some cases, the lack of conditions to implement them.

With their business they also show how to raise awareness for the wolf as an endangered species and let people experience the beauty of an intact and bio-diverse landscape. Pedro hopes that soon people can understand the importance of this species for a healthy ecosystem.

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Tourism
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Wolf
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Human well-being
Livestock
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Portugal
Viana do Castelo, Castro Laboreiro
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https://www.eurolargecarnivores.eu/fr/feature/pedro-alarcao
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