Need for New Management Approach
Researchers have indicated that Scotland requires a revised strategy to manage its "expanding" populations of feral pigs. These animals consist of escapees from farms as well as pigs that have been illegally released into the wild, with the highest concentrations located in the Highlands and Dumfries and Galloway regions.
A joint report produced by King's College London and the Czech Academy of Sciences highlights that the current policy framework is "fragmented," resulting in conflicts between landowners who consider the pigs an "unruly nuisance" and others who advocate for allowing the pigs to roam freely.
The Scottish government has stated that it is continuing to evaluate whether additional coordination or monitoring measures are necessary.
Current Policy and Control Measures
Under existing policy, the primary responsibility for controlling feral pig populations lies with individual land managers, who are encouraged to collaborate with local communities. Where feral pigs are present, land managers are advised to control their numbers to mitigate impacts on agriculture and the environment.
Feral pigs are not a protected species and may be legally culled. Organizations such as NatureScot and Forestry and Land Scotland provide best practice guidance on controlling feral pig populations, which includes methods such as trapping and shooting.
Disease Risk and Governance Challenges
The researchers recommend the establishment of a national forum that brings together all stakeholders involved in the debate about the management of feral pigs. They also emphasize the need for enhanced monitoring and "strengthened biosecurity" to prevent potential disease transmission from feral pigs to domestic animals.
The report underscores the tensions between Scotland's rewilding goals and concerns related to agricultural damage and disease risks. The researchers characterize the current governance arrangements as "fragmented and reactive." Their findings are based on studies conducted in the Great Glen area of the Highlands and in continental Europe.
Local Perspectives and Terminology
Toryn Whitehead, a PhD researcher at King's College London, noted that disagreements over feral pig control extend to the terminology used to describe the animals.
"They are officially called feral pigs, and I found in my research that many people locally do call them that. But there are also a substantial number of people locally who call them wild boar. So what they are and their precise identity is kind of highly contested."
Population Projections and Government Response
Previous research projects that the feral pig population could increase from approximately 1,472 individuals currently to around 2,400 by 2075, representing a rise of more than 60%.
The Scottish government has expressed concern that the illegal release of any animal poses serious risks to animal welfare and affects farmers, landowners, and local communities.
"The Scottish government will continue engaging with stakeholders across sectors as we assess whether further coordination or monitoring measures are required."
NatureScot's Role and Monitoring Efforts
NatureScot, Scotland's nature body, welcomed the research findings.
"We work closely with the pig industry, Scottish government and other agencies to coordinate action on this issue and are also working with land managers on monitoring to gain a better understanding of feral pig numbers. This includes carrying out drone surveys and camera trap analysis on an ongoing basis."
