Researchers from the Research Group in Health and Biotechnology (SaBio) at the Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC – CSIC, UCLM, JCCM) have released a significant report through the Operational Group for the Prevention of African Swine Fever (GO PREVPA), shedding light on the population dynamics of wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Spain. This report is crucial as it not only highlights the trends in wild boar populations but also addresses the potential risks associated with their overabundance, particularly concerning the spread of African swine fever (ASF).
The analysis utilized hunting bag data from various provinces, covering the period from 2010 to 2016, to establish a relative abundance index. This index reflects the number of wild boars killed per favorable habitat area, primarily forested regions. The findings indicate that the annual growth of hunting bags increases with wild boar abundance, reaching a tipping point at approximately 1.5 wild boars per square kilometer of suitable habitat. Beyond this threshold, population growth rates begin to decline, suggesting that certain areas have reached their capacity for sustainable wild boar populations.
The report categorizes provinces into three distinct groups based on their wild boar density and growth rates. Huesca and Girona emerge as the only provinces classified with high density and low growth rates, indicating that these regions have reached their maximum wild boar populations. In contrast, Barcelona, Valencia, and Alicante are experiencing high growth rates and are identified as areas in potential expansion. The remaining provinces fall into a category characterized by low relative abundance and growth rates, yet they still possess the potential for future increases.
As wild boar populations in Spain appear to be approaching a critical turning point, the implications of this report are significant. The overabundance of wild boars poses challenges, including the heightened risk of disease transmission, particularly ASF, which has serious ramifications for both wildlife and the agricultural sector. The report emphasizes the need for sustainable management plans tailored to the specific conditions of each region. It advocates for the establishment of zoned control proposals to mitigate the risks associated with wild boar overpopulation.
This research not only serves as a foundational analysis for understanding the dynamics of wild boar populations in Spain but also underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to manage these populations effectively. As stakeholders in agriculture and wildlife management consider their next steps, the insights from this report will be pivotal in shaping strategies that balance ecological health with agricultural interests.
