Digital collars and geofencing tested in Andalusia fire safety project

A pilot project in Andalusia is testing digital tools to prevent wildfires through controlled livestock grazing.

According to the Silvopastoralism Operational Group, the project was presented during a workshop in Torres de Albanchez, Sierra de Segura, and includes contributions from the University of Jaén, Consule Group, Hermanos Martínez Castillo livestock farm, and Segura Common Foundation.

The initiative uses smart collars and virtual fencing to manage grazing in fire-prone areas. These tools are designed to keep flammable vegetation under control and reduce wildfire risks.

The Group confirmed that the demonstration was targeted at local farmers, regional officials, and rural organisations.

The programme is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development of the Andalusian Regional Government, with support from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Silvopastoralism used to manage fire-prone land

The University of Jaén explained that silvopastoralism integrates forestry and livestock grazing to manage vegetation and reduce fire risk.

The method includes grazing in firebreaks and High Fire Risk Zones to limit fuel accumulation.

The Group stated that combining pasture management with forest conservation supports biodiversity and provides a natural method of fire control.

By mapping vegetation and adjusting grazing routes accordingly, the approach aims to replace some manual and mechanical land-clearing practices.

Researchers added that this practice also supports rural development goals.

New collar-based livestock monitoring technologies

One of the project’s key innovations is the use of smart collars fitted to livestock.

These collars collect GPS location data and physiological information, transmitting it to remote systems.

The University of Jaén said the collars include sensors to detect feeding, movement, and other behavioural indicators.

Some devices also track temperature and other parameters that may reflect animal welfare.

Rafael López Nieto, agricultural engineer and project researcher, said: “The collars we use execute stimuli that the animal learns to associate with the fence, learning to turn around if it hears a beep.”

Virtual fencing supports targeted grazing

The University added that virtual fencing tools are used to digitally mark boundaries and guide livestock.

This system is controlled via mobile app, allowing farmers to update grazing areas remotely.

According to the project team, this helps align grazing patterns with fire safety strategies.

The collars respond to the virtual boundaries with sound cues or mild stimuli, reducing the need for physical fences.

This approach enables livestock to graze independently while staying within high-risk fire zones designated for vegetation control.

Rural sustainability and traceability goals

Rafael López Nieto said: “This demonstration project has demonstrated its potential to revitalize rural areas by helping to prevent depopulation and ensuring generational renewal through the digitalization of grazing, enabling the development of a viable livestock sector based on environmental and economic sustainability and its role in fire prevention.”

The project also aims to add value to meat and dairy products by enabling full traceability.

Products from digitally managed herds may be eligible for certification indicating they originate from natural pasture systems.

The team stated that this could create new opportunities for rural economies and market differentiation.

Public engagement through the workshop was intended to broaden interest in sustainable grazing practices.

Wildfire prevention project in Spain trials smart collars for livestock grazing: Summary

The Pyric Silvopastoralism Operational Group held a workshop in Torres de Albanchez, Spain.

The group includes the University of Jaén, the Consule Group, the Martínez Castillo Livestock Farm, and the Segura Common Foundation.

The event introduced a digital livestock management system for wildfire prevention.

Smart collars are used to collect geospatial and behavioural data from animals.

Virtual fences are created using a mobile app to direct grazing patterns.

The tools aim to reduce flammable vegetation in fire-prone zones.

The project includes certification plans for traceable meat and dairy products.

It is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.

Funding support also comes from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

The project aims to support both fire prevention and rural sustainability.

Source - https://internationalfireandsafetyjournal.com