Large Herbivores
In Saksfjed Wilderness, you can encounter wild Galloway oxen and Exmoor horses at work.
Large animals - also known as megafauna - play a crucial role in nature. Their size allows them to influence their surroundings to such an extent that they are often referred to as "landscape engineers." For example, they help keep vulnerable habitats such as meadows, grasslands, and wetlands open by grazing on vegetation.
At the same time, their activities - grazing, dunging, scraping, and trampling the soil and vegetation - create immense landscape variation, providing habitats for hundreds of other species, including rare butterflies, heat-loving insects, orchids, and amphibians.
Management
The wildlife population in the Wilderness is managed with a focus on the animals' needs and the best interests of biodiversity.
In the Wilderness, we continuously regulate the wildlife population so that it remains in balance with the area's natural food resources. We follow a practice where full and sufficient feeding of all horses and cattle is naturally provided as soon as it appears that there might be a need for it.
The animals live freely, and their welfare is enhanced by having a natural herd structure, which includes offspring care, social dynamics, and hierarchy.
We work with the best veterinarians, conduct daily monitoring, and follow a management practice that goes beyond legal requirements, for example, with more frequent veterinary inspections.
Respect the Animals
You should always keep a minimum distance of 50 meters from the animals.
Additionally, do not feed them, not even a small treat. Many animals cannot tolerate human food, and feeding them can alter their natural behavior, making them approach people and potentially causing disturbances for other visitors.
These are hardy breeds that have lived outdoors their entire lives and naturally keep their distance from humans—please respect this.
For any inquiries regarding the animals, please contact their owners. Contact information can be found on signs posted at all entrances to the enclosures.