Wild Boar Management and Welfare: A European Perspective 2025

Keywords: wild boar welfare, Sus scrofa, population management, hunting welfare, wildlife conflict

Wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations have expanded dramatically across Europe over the past three decades, leading to agricultural conflicts, road collisions, and disease transmission concerns (African Swine Fever). Population management primarily involves hunting, with millions of boar harvested annually. Welfare considerations in boar management include shot placement, wounding rates, use of dogs in hunting, and conditions at gamekeeper holding facilities. Research indicates wounding rates of 10-20% in driven hunts, with wounded animals potentially experiencing prolonged suffering. Culling methods vary: stalking produces lower wounding rates than driven hunts. Piglet welfare in litters where sows are killed requires consideration. African Swine Fever (ASF) drives intensive culling campaigns in affected regions, often without welfare oversight. Scientific management frameworks integrating population ecology and welfare science are increasingly being developed by European hunting and wildlife agencies.

Key References: FACE Wild Boar Management Guidelines 2024; Wildlife Biology 2024; European Commission ASF Control Measures 2024

← Back to Animal Welfare Hub