Whenever Deutsche Bahn’s construction and maintenance work affects nature, it ensures ecological compensation — such as preserving valuable biotopes. Goats are part of this approach. For example, boer goats and bucks from South Africa graze dry biotopes in Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate on behalf of Deutsche Bahn. 

Thanks to their gentle footing, excellent climbing skills, and agility in rugged terrain, these hoofed animals can keep unwanted vegetation short even in difficult-to-access areas. The Boer goats are particularly well-suited for maintaining the dry biotopes of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site. Without this type of care, the areas would be threatened by increasing scrub encroachment. 

Landscape conservation can also be environmentally friendly: instead of noisy gasoline mowers, Deutsche Bahn lets goats graze on the removed topsoil during the upgrade of the Wendlingen–Ulm line. They keep the grass short while naturally grazing the soil.