Wild boar population dynamics and management in Hungary

Abstract

In this contribution population and harvest data as well as a simple harvest model are presented. The results show that the population growth was supported by the following elements: the harvest rate of Wild boar populations was always much lower than it is necessary to achieve a zero growth rate, i.e. to stabilize the population; hunting pressure on larger populations is inefficient, these populations are under harvested and surplus individuals can immigrate into the surrounding areas; during the last decades the afforested area of the country increased and this gave considerable additional habitat for Wild boar; the large-scale agriculture provided excellent habitat (largefield size) and foraging opportunities for Wild boar. On the basis of the results the elements of an effective Wild boar management are also described.