The Explosion of the European Boar
Across Europe, wild boar numbers are soaring and it is leading to conflict.
In 2008 it was first noticed that wild boar (Sus scrofa) numbers in many European countries were on the increase. Since then, more and more countries are reporting problems with these ungulates (hoofed animals). In many cases, the problem is not restricted to the countryside but is also being experienced in large cities.
As with so many of the environmental problems we are seeing at the moment, there does not seem to be one single cause we can point at for this sudden expansion in the wild pig population. Warmer winters have definitely played a part. With changing weather patterns the sows are able to breed at a younger age and that quickly augments their numbers. Of all ungulates, they were already the most effective reproducers. Sows are reaching sexual maturity at one year instead of two, in part due to the extra protein they can acquire from things such as acorns that the warmer weather is helping the trees to yield. Another probable cause is the change to large scale farming practises which favor the boars. Crops such as maize provide not only a ready food source but also act as ideal cover for the animals to hide in during the day.
Boars have always been one of the most valued prey for European hunters…
