The Wildboar in France: Population and Regulation Christian Le Coz Ministère de l’écologie, du développement durable, et de l’énergie www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr
WILD BOAR POPULATION * Wildboars can be found nearly everywhere in France. * The total population of wildboars is estimated at 1,8-2 millions heads. Strong and steady growth during the past 40 years. * The highest densities can be found in the north-east quarter, and in the mediterranean area (Corsica included).
Total numbers of wildboars shot per annual hunting season (*) source : Hunting and wild fauna national commission (ONCFS)
Causes and consequences * during the sixties the wildboar population was low, since then hunters wanted to enhance its dynamic (artificial fooding, selective shooting). * For the last 10 years, each local hunting federation has complete control regarding hunting program and fooding of wild game. -- * Wildboars damages to agriculture : 32 millions euros per year (paid by the national association of hunters) * impact on biodiversity and animal health yet to be determined (studies in progress). * collisions with vehicules : around 20.000 accidents per year (300 with injuries).
Wildboar population control * Hunting is allowed by law from september untill the end of february. * Wildboars releases in the wild must be authorised by local administration. * « Early hunting » can be authorised by administration from the 1st of june. * If classified as pest in the district by the local administration, wildboars can be shot during the month of march. Trapping is forbidden. * Local administration can also organize « administrative destruction » targeted on a specific area for a short duration. (1 % of the wild boars killed each year).
Wildboar population control * National action plan but too general. * This plan is declined in the 100 « départements » (= a county in GB) by the departemental associations of hunters. * very conservative management by the departemental associations of hunters in their plan and local associations in the hunting instructions * No possibilities in french law to impose quotas
CONCLUSION - Steady growth of wildboar population for the last 40 years. - Steady growth of wildboars shot during the hunting season. - Strong heterogeneity regarding populations management on the field. - Growth of agricultural damages and road accidents. - How to mobilize even more the hunters regarding the regulation?
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