Portugal to launch pilot project to control wild boar populations

The Portuguese government will launch a pilot project in October to control wild boar populations in problematic regions. Announced by Secretary of State for Forests Rui Ladeira, the initiative aims to address social concerns including agricultural destruction, increased animal presence in residential areas, and the risk of road accidents.

The project will target areas identified by authorities as most critical, using the pilot phase to gather data and evaluate the effectiveness of intervention measures before establishing a broader national strategy. In the Médio Tejo region, 11 municipalities have expressed readiness to participate in the program.

Local hunting clubs, such as the one in Alenquer, have reported increased sightings in peripheral areas. Club president António Parreira noted that while exact population numbers are difficult to determine, the scale of the issue is significant, citing 208 boars culled by his club in the last year alone. Hunters are advocating for greater intervention capacity near populated areas, provided safety rules are strictly enforced, and are calling for financial support to offset the costs and agricultural damages associated with population control.