Presence of free-living wild boar (Sus scrofa) in southern England

摘要: Wild boar Sus scrofa has been extinct in Britain for several centuries. Recently, however, some conservationists have argued that it should be reintroduced. Here, we report two populations of free-living wild are already present Britain, the south England, ranging over areas approximately 15 km2 county Dorset and 175 counties Kent East Sussex. Presence animals was indicated initially by unsolicited reports to Department Environment Food Rural Affairs, confirmed searching relevant field signs such as tracks, faeces, nests rooted areas. Six carcasses road-killed or shot were available inspection from Kent/East Sussex area had morphological characteristics boar. Breeding is suspected population. A simple population dynamics model, based on an estimated initial 100 animals, suggests a growth rate, r, between 0.016 0.267 We conclude likely prove viable unless actively persecuted, discuss social, agricultural, ecological conservational implications.