WORKING ASSES: Donkeys hired to graze high-risk fire areas in Mallorca

A LEGION of donkeys is being employed to lower the risk of fire in two key areas of Mallorca. 

Two groups of between 15 and 27 animals are to be sent out to graze the Llevant Natural Park, in Arta and the Galatzó area, near Calvia.

In total, the donkeys will help to keep down 40 hectares of dried reeds and grasses that have caused various fires over recent years..

The donkeys will be supervised and overlooked by a local shepherd, who will help save them if a fire breaks out.

The project has been allocated 150,000 euros and is a collaboration between Ibanat, the Balearic Institute of Nature, and the Natura Parc Foundation.