Calls to save Gloucestershire's wild boar
WILD boar campaigners are calling for people's backing to help protect the controversial creatures.
A petition has been launched in a bid to get a closed season on culling introduced.
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Wild boar picture by Brian Pendrey
That would mean the Forest of Dean's boar population could only be 'managed' at certain times of year, rather than all year round as it is now.
Amateur wildlife photographer Rob Ward, from Cinderford, said he was behind the management of the boars in general but had set up the petition because he wanted young boars to have a chance at life.
"Wild boar are no different to other mammals in that they have dependent young," he said. "At the moment, sows are being killed, some of the time by poachers, which is leaving litters of piglets to starve.
"I appreciate the population needs to be controlled but we are asking for a closed season. It takes about three months for them to stop being dependent on their mothers."
The Forestry Commission is responsible for managing the boar.
The creature splits opinion in the Forest. Calls have been made to do something to stop the damage it does turning up the ground looking for food.
Guidance
A Forestry Commission spokesman, said they are guided by Government policy and best practice guidance.
He said: "The issue is dealt with in the Draft Management Plan for Wild Boar that has been prepared over the last year and is being consulted on prior to presentation to the Verderers of the Forest of Dean for approval this autumn."
6 Comments
by Douglasknows
Wednesday, September 07 2011, 11:52AM
“They were not accidentally reintroduced, they were set free by campaigners. I was not talking about a free for all because that happens already with poachers if you read the article. There is a big enough problem with the sheep in the forest but I fear that will be nothing compared to the boar explosion in a few years time.”
by geraint2010
Wednesday, September 07 2011, 11:38AM
“Douglasknows,
A non-native species in the vast outback of Australia cannot be compared with a native one (albeit accidentally reintroduced) in our own very restricted semi-wild places. I'm with Rob Ward - properly managed culling is one thing – not a free for all followed by inevitable extermination.”
by Douglasknows
Wednesday, September 07 2011, 11:01AM
“In Australia the morons that set wild boar free (like the morons here) are responsible for them getting out of hand. The aussies cannot control them and have admitted defeat. A sow will have 2 litters per year of up to 12 piglets at a time. I say cull or capture them all before its too late!”
by TimMessanger
Wednesday, September 07 2011, 10:00AM
“The last to "Forrest" wild boar I had where great, getting off the bristles is a bit tough though!”
by polyphonic
Wednesday, September 07 2011, 9:48AM
“Wild boar and cider sausages, delicious.”
by Bonkim2003
Wednesday, September 07 2011, 9:07AM
“Endangered species - why not manage wild stock and cull for commercial purposes - will make excellent publicity for the Forest of Dean tourist and restaurant trade.”