Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is since its recent establishment and increasing density a controversial species in Sweden. But the attitudes towards the wild boar are poorly documented so far. To improve this knowledge, a questionnaire was sent out to chosen people (n=400) connected to the management and/or land use activities.
The study got 162 replies (reply frequency 40,5%) and the results show varying attitude trends among organizations and individuals, with some aspects coherent within groups and some not. Farmers and their organization showed the most negative attitudes towards wild boars, which was expected due to the practical and economic problems they suffer from this species. People involved with forestry were more positive to wild boars, probably because the species does not affect forest growth etc severely, and may even promote plant establishment by the rooting. Hunters were generally positive to the wild boar population. In general, most respondents welcome the wild boar in the Swedish fauna, and this did not vary with for how many years they have experienced the species in their surroundings. Quite few respondents, however, wanted a greater or denser population on their land. Most people thought that supplemental feeding should be used with caution, and that what items that are used for feeding should be regulated.
To obtain commonly accepted management plans in the future, it may be a good idea to regularly conduct this kind of inquiries. Both because attitudes may change over time, and because management plans are rarely successful if the interests of different stakeholders are not acknowledged.