THE RESILIENCE OF MALLORCA’S GOATS IN THE TRAMUNTANA MOUNTAINS

A few days ago, I was driving along the highway toward Andratx. Near the Palmanova exit, I noticed several cars slowing down. As a city-dweller used to urban traffic, I immediately assumed there had been an accident — but the cause of this brief backup wasn’t a crash. It was a pedestrian — or rather, an animal. A group of five little goats were calmly crossing the road, returning to their natural habitat after a short “visit” to the city.

What struck me most was how unfazed they seemed — not scared or stressed, even as some impatient drivers began honking. They weren’t afraid because the island has been their home for thousands of years, and these bold creatures have learned to adapt to changing conditions.

The Mallorcan goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) originates from eastern Asia and was introduced to Mallorca between 2500 and 1400 BCE. It has adapted perfectly to the island’s ecosystem and climate, living freely and happily across the Tramuntana and Llevant mountain ranges. Their presence even helps humans — by grazing on undergrowth and vegetation along roadsides, they naturally reduce wildfire risk.

A fun little “game” while riding in the car (passengers only!) is to look out the windows and scan the landscape for these Mallorcan goats. During your visit to the island — whether with family or on your own — I recommend a scenic drive through the breathtaking Tramuntana mountains. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 63,000-hectare natural paradise stretches from Calvià to Pollença, offering winding routes through forests, dramatic rocky coastlines, and hidden coves that are often hard to reach.

Among the many well-known villages (like Valldemossa and Deià), I suggest visiting one that’s a bit off the beaten path: Fornalutx. Often described in magazines as “the most beautiful village in Spain,” Fornalutx was built over a thousand years ago in the shadow of Puig Major — the island’s highest peak. It’s also the starting point for some of the most scenic walks in Mallorca. One such route is the Camí de Binibassí, a trail perfect for an inspiring hike filled with views, paths, history, wildlife, and flora.

And who knows — while you walk or drive, you might just be lucky enough to cross paths with one of these Mallorcan goats, a symbol of the nature that, despite our neglect, still adapts… and persists.

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