Scientific research in support of wild boar policy and management (EVINBO)

There is a demand for better information on the impact and spread of wild boar and on trends in damage and numbers as a result of the current management. It is clear that acquiring and strengthening an objective, common knowledge base on the ecology and management of wild boar is an important element to achieve rational and scientifically based population management of wild boar in Flanders.

The research comprises three projects:

Project 1. The updating of the wild boar population model in relation to management scenarios.
The aim of this project is to use an updated population model for the wild boar population in Flanders to arrive at well-founded hunting bag advice for managers.

Project 2. Trends in numbers and distribution of wild boar using camera traps.
The aim of this project is to evaluate and improve the use of a camera network as a method for monitoring trends and local changes in the distribution of wild boar in a particular area or region, initially the camera network south of Leuven.

Project 3. Documenting and evaluating the hunting strategy for wild boar in Meerdaalwoud and the Dijlevallei.
This project aims to evolve towards adaptive impact management. In an adaptive management process, the management cycle and the scientific monitoring and analysis are integrated into one whole.