Eleven Iberian red deer were reintroduced into the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park last night (due to a seven hour hold up due to the wildfire that hit the A2 motorway near Alcácer do Sal).
Chairman of the board of Cascais Ambiente, Luís Capão, said: “With the presence of these animals, what we’re going to have is the opening up of new trails, the opening up of clearings (…) Their passage will also allow seeds to spread and the incorporation of new species”.
Even more, this reintroduction of the species (after a 500 year absence) will contribute to tourism and reduce the risk of wildfires. Iberian red deer were commonplace in the Middle Ages. This project has received European funding of around €3 million euros six years, which has also allowed for the introduction of other animals, namely wild horses and cattle.
The deer included were made up of 10 females and only one buck (who will now have a great deal of responsibility riding on him).
