Abstract

TORRES, Rita Tinoco et al. Assessment of the Damage Caused by Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) in Beira Litoral. Silva Lus. [online]. 2012, vol.20, n.1-2, pp.105-122. ISSN 0870-6352.

In many European countries, the wild boar (Sus scrofa) is often associated with damage to agricultural crops, making it one of the most important issues in wildlife management. In Portugal, the assessment of the impact of the activity of this species in such cultures is virtually unknown. Thus, this study aims to assess the damage caused by wild boar in the region of Beira Litoral, between 1994-95 and 2000-2001. Our results show that i) the most affected culture were the crops, especially the maize (Zea mays); ii) more damages were recorded between the months of June and August and iii) the waiting times for hutting wild boar (time between technical staff inspection and compensation) were rapid, demonstrating that the authorities acted swiftly and efficiently. We suggest some management strategies that aim to reduce the damage to the agricultural cultures thereby allowing the co-existence between the most hunted species in Portugal and man. Our results suggest that the measures to prevent or reduce the damage must be more targeted in time and space and the adjustments to the patterns of cultivation should contribute to the reduction of environmental damage caused by the wild boar.

Keywords : Agriculture; wildlife conflicts; Sus scrofa; hunting; wildlife management.

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