Portugal to pay hunters for wild boar control

The Portuguese government is preparing a pilot project to provide financial compensation for every wild boar killed. This initiative aims to curb the growing wild boar population in various regions of the country, including Alentejo, where the issue has been frequently reported by farmers and motorists.

Minister of Agriculture and Sea, José Manuel Fernandes, acknowledged the surplus of animals, stating, “We have too many wild boars.” The strategy involves identifying areas with high concentrations of the animals and incentivizing their reduction through hunting. While the government has confirmed the financial incentive, the specific amount to be paid per animal, the eligibility rules, and the exact timeline for the program have not yet been disclosed.

The rising wild boar population has been linked to significant agricultural damage and increased road safety risks. Minister Fernandes noted that the current situation suggests a shortage of hunters, suggesting that if a sufficient number of hunters were available, such extraordinary financial incentives might not be necessary.