Wild Boar in Britain
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The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is the wild ancestor of the domesticated pig. It lives in woodlands across much of Central Europe, the Mediterranean Region (including North Africa's Atlas Mountains), and much of Asia as far south as Indonesia.
[edit] History and extinction
Wild Boar probably became extinct in Great Britain in the 13th century: certainly none remained in southern England by 1610, when King James I reintroduced them to Windsor Great Park. This attempt failed due to poaching, and later attempts met the same fate. By 1700 there were no wild boars remaining in Britain. Between then and the 1980s, when wild boar farming began, only a handful of captive wild boar, imported from the continent were present in Britain. Until very recently, no free-living wild boar (native or introduced) had been present in Britain for the last 300 years.
[edit] Return
Because wild boar are included in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 certain legal requirements have to be met prior to setting up a farm. A licence to keep boar is required from the local Council who will appoint a specialist to inspect the premises and report back to the council. Requirements include secure accommodation and fencing, correct drainage, temperature, lighting, hygiene, ventilation and insurance.
Occasional escapes of wild boar have occurred since the 1970s. Early escapes occurred from Wildlife Parks but since the early 1990s more escapes have been from farms as wild boar meat has grown in demand. By the 1990s a breeding population was rumoured to have established in areas of Kent and East Sussex.
It was announced on the 21st October 1998 by MAFF (now DEFRA) the results of a study on wild boar living wild in Britain. The study confirmed the presence of two populations of wild boar living in Britain, one in Kent and East Sussex and another in Dorset.
[edit] Debate
Much debate has been caused by the wild boar, especially on the fronts of whether or not they are genuine wild boar and what damage they will cause to native woodland.
[edit] Current status
It is now generally accepted that the boar are back for good, and that they will probably not be eradicated for a second time. Organised hunts are now taking place for the first time in 300 years.
[edit] Populations
- Kent and East Sussex. Originated in late 1980s from a now defunct wild boar farm in Tenterden, Kent, supplemented with escapees from an also defunct abbatoir near Ashford, Kent. Population numbers now well 100 animals.
- Dorset. Originated in mid 1990s from a now defunct wild boar farm in Bridport, Dorset. Recently supplemented with escapees from an operating boar farm in same area. Population numbers around 100 animals.
- Herefordshire, Ross-on-Wye. Originated in late 1990s from a now defunct wild boar farm south of Ross-on-Wye. Population numbers increasing. Population probably above 50.
- Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean. Many sows and piglets have been observed. Origin uncertain - either migrants from Ross-on-Wye population but more likely separate population from unknown source (possibly an unofficial deliberate release). Population probably in region of 50.
- Devon, Exmoor. On the 23rd of December 2005 dozens of wild boar escaped from a wild boar farm after the fences were deliberately cut. Unknown number still at large.
- Scarborough, North Yorkshire. There is known to be a group of boars that inhabit Newby near Scarborough.
