Recently, wild boars have been causing frequent troubles and have been frequently searched. Not only in mountainous rural areas, but also in many cities and even in the central areas of individual cities, wild boars have begun to appear frequently, causing a lot of trouble to people and even threatening personal safety.
On the evening of October 27, a wild boar invaded the high-speed railway connecting line between Nanjing South Station and Zijin Shandong East Station, and collided with the passing train D5515, causing equipment failure and stopping. The onboard mechanic got off the car to investigate and deal with the fault. A train passing the speed limit on the adjacent line collided and he died unfortunately.
On October 25, a large wild boar weighing about 200 kilograms suddenly rushed out of Yunqiao Road, Jinxian County, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province. It ran rampant and continuously attacked local residents, injuring four people. On the same day, on the streets of Jiande City, Hangzhou, a wild boar weighing about 160 pounds ran wildly through the streets, biting everyone it saw, overturned a tricycle and two battery cars, and then broke into a roadside shop.
Why are wild boars so prevalent? Why are you so "wild"? What should we do in the face of "crazy" wild boars?
1. Will you encounter wild boars where you are?
(1) Where are the largest numbers of wild boars?
Wild boars have strong adaptability to the natural ecological environment and are distributed in Northeast, North, Northwest, Southwest, and South China regions, such as the Daxinganling, Changbai Mountains, Loess Plateau, South China hills, and southwest mountainous areas.
The "Recommendations on Further Strengthening the Prevention and Control of Wild Boar Harm" issued by the State Forestry and Grassland Administration in January 2024 pointed out that after scientific and comprehensive assessment, wild boars are distributed in 28 provinces in my country, with a number of 2 million, and no longer exist. It is an existential threat, and the number is too high in many areas, with 26 provinces affected.
Jin Kun, director of the Natural Reserve Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Forestry, said that there are currently 857 counties and districts in 26 provinces in my country where wild boars are causing damage, such as Shaanxi, Shanxi, Fujian, Guangdong, Hebei, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Anhui and other provinces all have problems caused by wild boars, but the situation in each region is different. For example, there are 122 administrative counties in Guangdong Province, but wild boar damage is serious in 20 counties including Guangning and Fengkai in Zhaoqing, Nanxiong and Shixing in Shaoguan, and Yangshan and Yingde in Qingyuan.
(2) How to identify wild boar?
has well-developed fangs
A report from the Dongguan Forestry Science Institute mentioned that wild boar canine teeth are well-developed. Male wild boar canine teeth are 6cm long on average, turned upward, and half of them are exposed outside the mouth in the shape of fangs, which can be used for attacks. Weapons or digging tools. Female wild boars have shorter canine teeth that are not exposed outside the mouth, but are equally lethal.
Piglets have stripes on their bodies to help them camouflage themselves.
Piglets are red when they are born and have khaki stripes on their bodies to help them camouflage themselves. The stripes will gradually fade as they grow up. When they reach 1 year old, the piglets enter adulthood, and their red color gradually deepens to black, just like adult wild boars.
(3) What are the regular characteristics of wild boar activities?
Wild boars are highly adaptable and can eat plants and insects. The characteristics and habits of wild boars in different regions are similar. They like to live in groups and have ferocious personalities. They are omnivores with a wide range of food habits, such as small animals, crops, grass, etc.
Like to forage in the morning, dusk and night
Sun Quanhui, a scientist at the World Society for the Protection of Animals, said that wild boars can survive in a variety of natural environments. They like to come out for food in the morning, dusk and night, and hide in dense forests to rest during the day.
They prefer water sources in summer and sunny slope woods in winter
Wild boars like to live in sunny slope woods in winter, and prefer to move at higher altitudes and near water sources in summer. In other seasons, wild boars often inhabit forests such as aspen, birch, larch, and spruce forests on shady slopes. They especially like to play in muddy water.
Going down the mountain for food in autumn and winter becomes more frequent
After entering autumn and winter, the wild boar population begins to fatten in preparation for the winter, preferring to forage under the forest or near farmland. The food in the mountains has decreased, and wild boars have come down to the mountains to forage more and more frequently. Autumn grain crops such as corn, sweet potatoes, and peanuts are the wild boar's favorite food.
2. Why are wild boars becoming more and more common?
(1) Habitat environment improvement
In recent years, with the continuous increase in wildlife protection and the implementation of a series of measures, the habitat of wild animals in my country has continued to improve, and the population of wild boars has also grown rapidly, and their activities such as foraging have expanded. expand.
(2) Extremely strong reproductive capacity
Dr. Jiang Zhongwen, a doctor of ecology, said that wild boars are born with extremely strong reproductive capacity and can reproduce once or twice a year, with the number of litters each time ranging from four to more than a dozen. The survivability is very strong and the population can recover quickly.
(3) Lack of natural enemies to do whatever they want
Jiang Zhongwen said that the natural enemies of wild boars, such as tigers, leopards, wolves, etc., have disappeared in many places. The relatively small number of natural enemy populations has accelerated the recovery of wild boar populations.
In June 2023, the State Forestry and Grassland Administration announced the newly adjusted "List of Terrestrial Wild Animals with Important Ecological, Scientific, and Social Values" (hereinafter referred to as the "Three Has" List). Wild boars that have caused serious damage in many places across the country have removed from the list. Previously, in 2000, wild boars were included in the "Three Us" list and received key protection.
(4) What harm do wild boars cause?
researchers Tang Dongyan, Zhou Xuehong, and Zhang Wei mentioned in a research article on "Wild Boar-Human Conflict and Prevention and Control" that wild boar damage to crops and the economic losses caused are the main contradictions in the current conflict between humans and wild boars. In rural areas and at the interface between urban and rural areas, wild boars like to come down from the mountains to visit farmland in spring and autumn. In spring, it digs out the seeds just planted in the ground to eat; in autumn, when the crops mature, it eats corn, rice, forest fruits, etc. Wild boars not only damage crops and vegetation, but also damage farm facilities such as irrigation systems and fences, increasing farming costs.
In addition, wild boars can also harm livestock and poultry, injure and maim people, and cause traffic accidents. Zhang Hongfeng, deputy director of the Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Zoology, pointed out that wild boars, as wild animals, are carriers of various viruses, which can endanger the lives of domestic animals and even humans. If cross-infection unfortunately occurs, prevention and control will be extremely difficult.
3. How powerful is the wild boar?
(1) Fast and powerful
wild boar has very developed athletic ability. It can run at a speed of 40-70 kilometers per hour and can jump up to one meter vertically. An adult wild boar can weigh up to 200 kilograms and is very powerful. It is even more threatening than bears and tigers.
(2) Sharp fangs
The most deadly weapon of the wild boar is the sharp fangs. It can easily knock an adult into fractures and easily bite off human bones. If a human is attacked, serious consequences are likely to occur.
(3) has a fiery personality and can dig holes
Wild boars are the only ungulates that can dig holes. Male pigs have a rough temperament and are aggressive in many cases, especially during estrus.
4. What should you do if you encounter a wild boar?
(1) Will wild boars actively attack humans?
As the wild boar population continues to grow, its activity range gradually expands from deep mountain forests to shallow mountainous areas, causing some forest edge villages to gradually approach wild boar territory. Human activity areas and wild boar activity ranges overlap, causing wild boars to regard humans as a "threat" ", hurtful incidents happen from time to time.
Wild boars are highly adaptable and can adapt well to environmental changes. Jiang Zhongwen, a doctor of ecology, mentioned during the live discussion of "Wild Boars Down the Mountain" that wild boars generally do not have direct conflicts with people, but will attack humans when frightened or injured. Some incidents of wild boars attacking humans may be caused by wild boars in heat becoming more violent, or by sows protecting their cubs.
(2) is "targeted" by wild boars, what should we do?
Run away as soon as possible
Jin Kun, director of the Nature Reserve Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Forestry, reminded us that ordinary people should stay away from wild boars as soon as possible when encountering them. Stay calm, do not provoke the wild boar, and avoid direct confrontation with the wild boar.
Jin Kun also specifically mentioned that "pretending to be dead" will not work.If a wild boar feels threatened, it will be very aggressive towards people, and it will also attack people who are lying on the ground.
"S"-shaped route to escape
Experienced villagers reminded that because wild boars are used to running rampant, they must take an "S"-shaped route to escape.
Avoid eye contact
Doctor of Ecology Jiang Zhongwen reminded that if you really encounter a wild boar, do not try to interact with it and avoid direct eye contact.
Beware of mother piglets
Jiang Zhongwen also emphasized that when encountering wild boar cubs, never step forward to pick them up or touch them. Although wild boar cubs look very cute, doing so is very dangerous and can easily lead to attacks from female wild boars that may be nearby.
(3) Do not feed wild boars
Feeding wild animals may not only cause them to attack people, but may also bring risks such as the spread of diseases. The wild boar population has just recovered in recent years, and most individuals still have a certain degree of fear of humans. Sun Quanhui, a scientist at World Animal Protection, emphasized that once a group of wild boars develops the habit of begging, they will no longer be afraid of humans, and will even associate humans with food and actively approach humans, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.
(4) Wild boar "gets into trouble", how to share the losses?
Jin Kun, a researcher at the Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Nature Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Forestry, said that although wild boars have been removed from the "Three Certainties" list, in accordance with the Wildlife Protection Law, the relevant local people's governments must take preventive and control measures to prevent and control wild animals under national key protection. Measures taken to harm terrestrial wild animals and other serious terrestrial wild animals, as well as the funds required for compensation, shall be subsidized by the central government. For the losses caused, if the relevant local people's government has the financial conditions, it should provide appropriate compensation to the injured people.
Some regions strive to protect the interests of the injured people by strengthening cooperation with insurance companies. For example, Zhejiang Province has achieved full insurance coverage for wild boar damage in the province, ensuring that the injured people receive due compensation in a timely manner.
The wild boar hunting team in Jiande City, Hangzhou relocated the wild boars for harmless treatment. Photos provided by interviewees
5. Is large-scale hunting of wild boars a permanent solution?
(1) Experts: Resolutely not to kill them at will
Although wild boars have been removed from the "Three Haves" list, Zhang Zhengwang, a professor at Beijing Normal University, said that wild boars have specific ecological roles and significant ecological significance, and they cannot be killed at will. .
has excellent genetic genes
Wild boars are the ancestors of domestic pigs and have excellent genetic genes. It has a profound impact on the development of animal husbandry, especially the breeding industry.
A key link in the natural ecosystem food chain
Wild boar plays an important role in maintaining the health of the forest ecosystem, helping to control forest community succession and maintain community stability. As a key link in the food chain of natural ecosystems, wild boars are also the main prey of large carnivores, which is conducive to the stability of biodiversity.
Zhang Jian, a professor at the School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences at East China Normal University, mentioned that in recent years, many places have begun to pay attention to ecological and environmental protection and return farmland to forests. However, many natural reserves now have such a scene: protection Omnivorous or herbivorous animals such as wild boars are often seen frequently on the ground, but traces of large carnivores such as jackals, tigers and leopards are rarely found. In terms of local biodiversity in protected areas, it has not been improved.
Here we have to mention the textbook classic case of "Wolves and Yellowstone National Park": In the early 20th century, due to pressure from the livestock industry in the western United States, the U.S. National Park Service launched a predator control program. As a result, the original wolf population in Yellowstone Park completely disappeared in 1926. The disappearance of wolves has led to a surge in the number of American red deer, which have eaten up the vegetation in the park, further leading to the decline of many other plant and animal populations. It was not until the mid-1990s that more than 30 wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone Park, restricting the eating and reproduction of deer, and the overall ecological outlook of Yellowstone was improved, creating the rich biodiversity of Yellowstone Park today.
Breeding special wild boars to expand economic value
The special wild boar is a new breed that is a cross between domesticated wild boars and domestic pigs. Researcher Chen Xiaoan proposed in the article "Turn Harm into Wealth—Development and Utilization of the Economic Value of Wild Boars" that special wild boars combine the strengths of domestic pigs and wild boars, show better hybrid advantages, and have a high lean meat rate. It has the advantages of rich game meat, rich nutrition, strong adaptability, tolerance to roughage and strong disease resistance.
(2) How to scientifically prevent and control wild boar damage?
Establish a shared information platform to strengthen monitoring and early warning
Environmental Economics Magazine mentioned in the article "After Wild Boars were Removed from the "Three Haves" List" that the use of monitoring technologies such as infrared cameras, drones, and global positioning systems will help to control wild boars. Density and population distribution can be assessed more accurately. At the same time, the establishment of a shared information platform can also provide assistance in the prevention and control of wild boar hazards. Formulate monitoring and early warning work plans, promote the application of high and new technologies in monitoring and early warning, and improve the effectiveness of prevention and early warning.
Scientifically delimit the range of habitats and set up ecological barriers or power grids
"After Wild Boars are Removed from the "Three Haves" List" also proposes to scientifically and rationally delineate the range of suitable habitats for wild animals to improve the connectivity and integrity of wild animal habitats. compatibility and carrying capacity, and reduce the risk of wild animals spreading to contiguous crop planting areas and areas where residents are concentrated due to unsuitable habitats. Ecological barriers or electric grids can be set up in some areas to prevent wild boars from breaking into farmers' homes. Ecological corridors can also be built for wild boars, especially in areas with frequent human activities, to guide wild boars to naturally choose these corridors.
All regions are actively innovating and proactive prevention and control measures. Jiangxi Province has developed wild boar electronic limiter equipment and wild boar automatic hunting remote monitoring and management systems; Fujian Province has included wild boar protection facilities in high-standard farmland construction, promoted the construction of dry trenches, metal fences, fences and other physical isolation measures, and also explored intelligent Improve wild boar driving technology, install ultrasonic and onomatopoeic wild animal repellers, and early warning and monitoring equipment; Shaanxi Province coordinates the construction of isolation and protection facilities such as pulse electric fences, barrier fences, and vegetation isolation belts, as well as the installation of infrared sensors and impact-linked image early warning equipment.
Scientific hunting regulates the population
Hunting wild boars is a last resort, in order to control the wild boar population and maintain the balance of the ecosystem. Population control must strictly follow the numbers, genders and time periods approved by the wildlife protection authorities to carry out hunting to reduce adverse effects on local people and other wild animals.
Currently, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration is coordinating with the Ministry of Public Security to optimize the management system for the use of firearms and ammunition to ensure the smooth development of professional hunting work. It will also actively learn from foreign hunting experience to expand cage hunting, net hunting, fence trapping and other diversified methods. Adapt hunting methods.
Wang Hongjie, a member of the Wild Boar Prevention and Control Expert Group of the State Forestry and Grassland Administration and director of the Population Regulation Committee of the China Wildlife Conservation Association, believes that the current important issue is to solve how to use the hunted wild boars, including selling and eating them, to obtain a certain amount of economic benefits. The income will be used to make up for the problem of insufficient funds for prevention, control and regulation.
Restoring the habitat of wild boar natural enemies
Dr. Jiang Zhongwen, a doctor of ecology, believes that if the number of wild boars is to be controlled, one way is to restore the habitat of wild boar natural enemies. Sun Quanhui, a scientist at World Animal Protection, said that in the long run, only by gradually restoring the natural population of wild boar's natural enemies can the hidden danger of too many wild boars be fundamentally eliminated.
Recently, wild boars have been causing frequent troubles and have been frequently searched. Not only in mountainous rural areas, but also in many cities and even in the central areas of individual cities, wild boars have begun to appear frequently, causing a lot of trouble to people and even threatening personal safety.
On the evening of October 27, a wild boar invaded the high-speed railway connecting line between Nanjing South Station and Zijin Shandong East Station, and collided with the passing train D5515, causing equipment failure and stopping. The onboard mechanic got off the car to investigate and deal with the fault. A train passing the speed limit on the adjacent line collided and he died unfortunately.
On October 25, a large wild boar weighing about 200 kilograms suddenly rushed out of Yunqiao Road, Jinxian County, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province. It ran rampant and continuously attacked local residents, injuring four people. On the same day, on the streets of Jiande City, Hangzhou, a wild boar weighing about 160 pounds ran wildly through the streets, biting everyone it saw, overturned a tricycle and two battery cars, and then broke into a roadside shop.
Why are wild boars so prevalent? Why are you so "wild"? What should we do in the face of "crazy" wild boars?
1. Will you encounter wild boars where you are?
(1) Where are the largest numbers of wild boars?
Wild boars have strong adaptability to the natural ecological environment and are distributed in Northeast, North, Northwest, Southwest, and South China regions, such as the Daxinganling, Changbai Mountains, Loess Plateau, South China hills, and southwest mountainous areas.
The "Recommendations on Further Strengthening the Prevention and Control of Wild Boar Harm" issued by the State Forestry and Grassland Administration in January 2024 pointed out that after scientific and comprehensive assessment, wild boars are distributed in 28 provinces in my country, with a number of 2 million, and no longer exist. It is an existential threat, and the number is too high in many areas, with 26 provinces affected.
Jin Kun, director of the Natural Reserve Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Forestry, said that there are currently 857 counties and districts in 26 provinces in my country where wild boars are causing damage, such as Shaanxi, Shanxi, Fujian, Guangdong, Hebei, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Anhui and other provinces all have problems caused by wild boars, but the situation in each region is different. For example, there are 122 administrative counties in Guangdong Province, but wild boar damage is serious in 20 counties including Guangning and Fengkai in Zhaoqing, Nanxiong and Shixing in Shaoguan, and Yangshan and Yingde in Qingyuan.
(2) How to identify wild boar?
has well-developed fangs
A report from the Dongguan Forestry Science Institute mentioned that wild boar canine teeth are well-developed. Male wild boar canine teeth are 6cm long on average, turned upward, and half of them are exposed outside the mouth in the shape of fangs, which can be used for attacks. Weapons or digging tools. Female wild boars have shorter canine teeth that are not exposed outside the mouth, but are equally lethal.
Piglets have stripes on their bodies to help them camouflage themselves.
Piglets are red when they are born and have khaki stripes on their bodies to help them camouflage themselves. The stripes will gradually fade as they grow up. When they reach 1 year old, the piglets enter adulthood, and their red color gradually deepens to black, just like adult wild boars.
(3) What are the regular characteristics of wild boar activities?
Wild boars are highly adaptable and can eat plants and insects. The characteristics and habits of wild boars in different regions are similar. They like to live in groups and have ferocious personalities. They are omnivores with a wide range of food habits, such as small animals, crops, grass, etc.
Like to forage in the morning, dusk and night
Sun Quanhui, a scientist at the World Society for the Protection of Animals, said that wild boars can survive in a variety of natural environments. They like to come out for food in the morning, dusk and night, and hide in dense forests to rest during the day.
They prefer water sources in summer and sunny slope woods in winter
Wild boars like to live in sunny slope woods in winter, and prefer to move at higher altitudes and near water sources in summer. In other seasons, wild boars often inhabit forests such as aspen, birch, larch, and spruce forests on shady slopes. They especially like to play in muddy water.
Going down the mountain for food in autumn and winter becomes more frequent
After entering autumn and winter, the wild boar population begins to fatten in preparation for the winter, preferring to forage under the forest or near farmland. The food in the mountains has decreased, and wild boars have come down to the mountains to forage more and more frequently. Autumn grain crops such as corn, sweet potatoes, and peanuts are the wild boar's favorite food.
2. Why are wild boars becoming more and more common?
(1) Habitat environment improvement
In recent years, with the continuous increase in wildlife protection and the implementation of a series of measures, the habitat of wild animals in my country has continued to improve, and the population of wild boars has also grown rapidly, and their activities such as foraging have expanded. expand.
(2) Extremely strong reproductive capacity
Dr. Jiang Zhongwen, a doctor of ecology, said that wild boars are born with extremely strong reproductive capacity and can reproduce once or twice a year, with the number of litters each time ranging from four to more than a dozen. The survivability is very strong and the population can recover quickly.
(3) Lack of natural enemies to do whatever they want
Jiang Zhongwen said that the natural enemies of wild boars, such as tigers, leopards, wolves, etc., have disappeared in many places. The relatively small number of natural enemy populations has accelerated the recovery of wild boar populations.
In June 2023, the State Forestry and Grassland Administration announced the newly adjusted "List of Terrestrial Wild Animals with Important Ecological, Scientific, and Social Values" (hereinafter referred to as the "Three Has" List). Wild boars that have caused serious damage in many places across the country have removed from the list. Previously, in 2000, wild boars were included in the "Three Us" list and received key protection.
(4) What harm do wild boars cause?
researchers Tang Dongyan, Zhou Xuehong, and Zhang Wei mentioned in a research article on "Wild Boar-Human Conflict and Prevention and Control" that wild boar damage to crops and the economic losses caused are the main contradictions in the current conflict between humans and wild boars. In rural areas and at the interface between urban and rural areas, wild boars like to come down from the mountains to visit farmland in spring and autumn. In spring, it digs out the seeds just planted in the ground to eat; in autumn, when the crops mature, it eats corn, rice, forest fruits, etc. Wild boars not only damage crops and vegetation, but also damage farm facilities such as irrigation systems and fences, increasing farming costs.
In addition, wild boars can also harm livestock and poultry, injure and maim people, and cause traffic accidents. Zhang Hongfeng, deputy director of the Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Zoology, pointed out that wild boars, as wild animals, are carriers of various viruses, which can endanger the lives of domestic animals and even humans. If cross-infection unfortunately occurs, prevention and control will be extremely difficult.
3. How powerful is the wild boar?
(1) Fast and powerful
wild boar has very developed athletic ability. It can run at a speed of 40-70 kilometers per hour and can jump up to one meter vertically. An adult wild boar can weigh up to 200 kilograms and is very powerful. It is even more threatening than bears and tigers.
(2) Sharp fangs
The most deadly weapon of the wild boar is the sharp fangs. It can easily knock an adult into fractures and easily bite off human bones. If a human is attacked, serious consequences are likely to occur.
(3) has a fiery personality and can dig holes
Wild boars are the only ungulates that can dig holes. Male pigs have a rough temperament and are aggressive in many cases, especially during estrus.
4. What should you do if you encounter a wild boar?
(1) Will wild boars actively attack humans?
As the wild boar population continues to grow, its activity range gradually expands from deep mountain forests to shallow mountainous areas, causing some forest edge villages to gradually approach wild boar territory. Human activity areas and wild boar activity ranges overlap, causing wild boars to regard humans as a "threat" ", hurtful incidents happen from time to time.
Wild boars are highly adaptable and can adapt well to environmental changes. Jiang Zhongwen, a doctor of ecology, mentioned during the live discussion of "Wild Boars Down the Mountain" that wild boars generally do not have direct conflicts with people, but will attack humans when frightened or injured. Some incidents of wild boars attacking humans may be caused by wild boars in heat becoming more violent, or by sows protecting their cubs.
(2) is "targeted" by wild boars, what should we do?
Run away as soon as possible
Jin Kun, director of the Nature Reserve Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Forestry, reminded us that ordinary people should stay away from wild boars as soon as possible when encountering them. Stay calm, do not provoke the wild boar, and avoid direct confrontation with the wild boar.
Jin Kun also specifically mentioned that "pretending to be dead" will not work.If a wild boar feels threatened, it will be very aggressive towards people, and it will also attack people who are lying on the ground.
"S"-shaped route to escape
Experienced villagers reminded that because wild boars are used to running rampant, they must take an "S"-shaped route to escape.
Avoid eye contact
Doctor of Ecology Jiang Zhongwen reminded that if you really encounter a wild boar, do not try to interact with it and avoid direct eye contact.
Beware of mother piglets
Jiang Zhongwen also emphasized that when encountering wild boar cubs, never step forward to pick them up or touch them. Although wild boar cubs look very cute, doing so is very dangerous and can easily lead to attacks from female wild boars that may be nearby.
(3) Do not feed wild boars
Feeding wild animals may not only cause them to attack people, but may also bring risks such as the spread of diseases. The wild boar population has just recovered in recent years, and most individuals still have a certain degree of fear of humans. Sun Quanhui, a scientist at World Animal Protection, emphasized that once a group of wild boars develops the habit of begging, they will no longer be afraid of humans, and will even associate humans with food and actively approach humans, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.
(4) Wild boar "gets into trouble", how to share the losses?
Jin Kun, a researcher at the Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Nature Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Forestry, said that although wild boars have been removed from the "Three Certainties" list, in accordance with the Wildlife Protection Law, the relevant local people's governments must take preventive and control measures to prevent and control wild animals under national key protection. Measures taken to harm terrestrial wild animals and other serious terrestrial wild animals, as well as the funds required for compensation, shall be subsidized by the central government. For the losses caused, if the relevant local people's government has the financial conditions, it should provide appropriate compensation to the injured people.
Some regions strive to protect the interests of the injured people by strengthening cooperation with insurance companies. For example, Zhejiang Province has achieved full insurance coverage for wild boar damage in the province, ensuring that the injured people receive due compensation in a timely manner.
The wild boar hunting team in Jiande City, Hangzhou relocated the wild boars for harmless treatment. Photos provided by interviewees
5. Is large-scale hunting of wild boars a permanent solution?
(1) Experts: Resolutely not to kill them at will
Although wild boars have been removed from the "Three Haves" list, Zhang Zhengwang, a professor at Beijing Normal University, said that wild boars have specific ecological roles and significant ecological significance, and they cannot be killed at will. .
has excellent genetic genes
Wild boars are the ancestors of domestic pigs and have excellent genetic genes. It has a profound impact on the development of animal husbandry, especially the breeding industry.
A key link in the natural ecosystem food chain
Wild boar plays an important role in maintaining the health of the forest ecosystem, helping to control forest community succession and maintain community stability. As a key link in the food chain of natural ecosystems, wild boars are also the main prey of large carnivores, which is conducive to the stability of biodiversity.
Zhang Jian, a professor at the School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences at East China Normal University, mentioned that in recent years, many places have begun to pay attention to ecological and environmental protection and return farmland to forests. However, many natural reserves now have such a scene: protection Omnivorous or herbivorous animals such as wild boars are often seen frequently on the ground, but traces of large carnivores such as jackals, tigers and leopards are rarely found. In terms of local biodiversity in protected areas, it has not been improved.
Here we have to mention the textbook classic case of "Wolves and Yellowstone National Park": In the early 20th century, due to pressure from the livestock industry in the western United States, the U.S. National Park Service launched a predator control program. As a result, the original wolf population in Yellowstone Park completely disappeared in 1926. The disappearance of wolves has led to a surge in the number of American red deer, which have eaten up the vegetation in the park, further leading to the decline of many other plant and animal populations. It was not until the mid-1990s that more than 30 wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone Park, restricting the eating and reproduction of deer, and the overall ecological outlook of Yellowstone was improved, creating the rich biodiversity of Yellowstone Park today.
Breeding special wild boars to expand economic value
The special wild boar is a new breed that is a cross between domesticated wild boars and domestic pigs. Researcher Chen Xiaoan proposed in the article "Turn Harm into Wealth—Development and Utilization of the Economic Value of Wild Boars" that special wild boars combine the strengths of domestic pigs and wild boars, show better hybrid advantages, and have a high lean meat rate. It has the advantages of rich game meat, rich nutrition, strong adaptability, tolerance to roughage and strong disease resistance.
(2) How to scientifically prevent and control wild boar damage?
Establish a shared information platform to strengthen monitoring and early warning
Environmental Economics Magazine mentioned in the article "After Wild Boars were Removed from the "Three Haves" List" that the use of monitoring technologies such as infrared cameras, drones, and global positioning systems will help to control wild boars. Density and population distribution can be assessed more accurately. At the same time, the establishment of a shared information platform can also provide assistance in the prevention and control of wild boar hazards. Formulate monitoring and early warning work plans, promote the application of high and new technologies in monitoring and early warning, and improve the effectiveness of prevention and early warning.
Scientifically delimit the range of habitats and set up ecological barriers or power grids
"After Wild Boars are Removed from the "Three Haves" List" also proposes to scientifically and rationally delineate the range of suitable habitats for wild animals to improve the connectivity and integrity of wild animal habitats. compatibility and carrying capacity, and reduce the risk of wild animals spreading to contiguous crop planting areas and areas where residents are concentrated due to unsuitable habitats. Ecological barriers or electric grids can be set up in some areas to prevent wild boars from breaking into farmers' homes. Ecological corridors can also be built for wild boars, especially in areas with frequent human activities, to guide wild boars to naturally choose these corridors.
All regions are actively innovating and proactive prevention and control measures. Jiangxi Province has developed wild boar electronic limiter equipment and wild boar automatic hunting remote monitoring and management systems; Fujian Province has included wild boar protection facilities in high-standard farmland construction, promoted the construction of dry trenches, metal fences, fences and other physical isolation measures, and also explored intelligent Improve wild boar driving technology, install ultrasonic and onomatopoeic wild animal repellers, and early warning and monitoring equipment; Shaanxi Province coordinates the construction of isolation and protection facilities such as pulse electric fences, barrier fences, and vegetation isolation belts, as well as the installation of infrared sensors and impact-linked image early warning equipment.
Scientific hunting regulates the population
Hunting wild boars is a last resort, in order to control the wild boar population and maintain the balance of the ecosystem. Population control must strictly follow the numbers, genders and time periods approved by the wildlife protection authorities to carry out hunting to reduce adverse effects on local people and other wild animals.
Currently, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration is coordinating with the Ministry of Public Security to optimize the management system for the use of firearms and ammunition to ensure the smooth development of professional hunting work. It will also actively learn from foreign hunting experience to expand cage hunting, net hunting, fence trapping and other diversified methods. Adapt hunting methods.
Wang Hongjie, a member of the Wild Boar Prevention and Control Expert Group of the State Forestry and Grassland Administration and director of the Population Regulation Committee of the China Wildlife Conservation Association, believes that the current important issue is to solve how to use the hunted wild boars, including selling and eating them, to obtain a certain amount of economic benefits. The income will be used to make up for the problem of insufficient funds for prevention, control and regulation.
Restoring the habitat of wild boar natural enemies
Dr. Jiang Zhongwen, a doctor of ecology, believes that if the number of wild boars is to be controlled, one way is to restore the habitat of wild boar natural enemies. Sun Quanhui, a scientist at World Animal Protection, said that in the long run, only by gradually restoring the natural population of wild boar's natural enemies can the hidden danger of too many wild boars be fundamentally eliminated.
Source: People's Daily client
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