How is the hunt for the wild boar formerly confined to the forests of the southern country, let, which now invades the rest of Belgium.
Forests in the south of the country The wild boar spreads even in the parks of the capital, only hunting tries to settle this expansion. But the rapid growth of its unprecedented population pushes him to travel further and further in search of food. Discover in this arte report the causes of this expansion. As well as the challenges posed by this unexpected cohabitation between city and nature.
Growing of the wild boar in Belgium: 30,000 animals slaughtered each year.
10,000 wild boars in 2020. 30,000 in 2024, with even a record in 2023 with 35,000.
The damage is naturally more and more heavy. For the year 2021 alone, the amount of agricultural damage declared, amounted to almost € 900,000. But cultures are not the only ones to undergo this state of affairs. The boar also wins urban circles.
” In a few years, the boar has colonized many habitats. Some families of wild boars have realized that cities have relatively calm areas and have specialized in this new habitat … To do well, the populations of wild boars would have to return to their level in the early 2,000. But it seems complicated” – Alain Licoppe – First attached to the Department of the Study of the natural and agricultural environment
At the start of the year, Flemish deputies think of a boar hunting option. More sustainable according to them, to lower the number of individuals. They want to legalize the purchase and possession of sound moderators. But also night vision glasses. A proposal that is debated.
