Tradition meets innovation in predator defence in France

In the quiet fields of France's Maine-et-Loire, an unlikely hero is stepping up to protect vulnerable sheep: a massive Poitou donkey named Kastafiore. 

As wolves make a cautious comeback, this age-old guardian animal is proving that sometimes, the best defence is a blend of tradition and innovation, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Smith Noah recently visited Benoît and Marine’s farm in Chemillé-en-Anjou, where Kastafiore grazed calmly among 130 dusty Deux sheep. Standing 1.5 meters tall and weighing over 400 kilograms, Kastafiore resembles a seasoned mount more than a typical flock guardian. Since 2021, she has vigilantly protected the flock, chasing off foxes, stray dogs, and even occasional wolves. Benoît recalled how Kastafiore once scared off a fox hidden in the grass while leading the sheep to fresh pasture.

While many neighbors have adopted guard dogs since wolves were confirmed in the area earlier this year, Benoît prefers his donkey for several reasons. Their farm’s proximity to a popular hiking trail means avoiding surprise encounters with dogs is vital. Additionally, Kastafiore eats the same forage as the sheep, requires no special feed, and can live up to 30 years. Marine notes that the donkey blends seamlessly with the flock and doesn’t need daily kibble. Though not foolproof, Kastafiore’s presence helps keep predation economically and emotionally manageable.

At the University of Limoges, the CNRS-funded Relions-nous program is researching this approach, aiming to restore ancient bonds between guardian animals and predators to rebalance pastoral ecosystems. Ecologist Anne Blondeau Da Silva highlights that livestock and predators co-evolved over millennia, shaping farming methods, while historian Dominique Taurisson-Mouret notes donkeys were once common protectors in sheep flocks.

However, challenges remain. Selective breeding for appearance has reduced donkey genetic diversity, sometimes leading to unwanted behaviors like lamb harassment or wandering. Unlike subsidized guard dogs, donkey guardians receive no official support despite growing demand. Local deputy Stella Dupont stresses the importance of both dogs and donkeys in predator management. Farmers like Fabienne Castetbieilh in the Pyrenees, training donkeys since 2017, report zero sheep losses.

By Naila Huseynova