The Generalitat Valenciana has removed 5,337 wild boar through its population control plan by early September. Hunters accounted for 3,192 animals, while 2,145 were captured in cages. The operation aims to reduce health, environmental and road safety risks, including African swine fever, crop damage and traffic collisions.
The programme is being run with public company Vaersa and combines hunting activity, trapping and technical support. It has 40 staff, 35 vehicles, 200 traps, 238 wildlife cameras, 132 surveillance cameras and a thermal-imaging drone.
Priority areas include Xà bia-Dénia, La Plana, La Valldigna and La Safor. The Generalitat is offering hunters €40 for each animal delivered to its logistics unit and has established 16 collection routes serving 80 municipalities. So far, 137 hunting estates have joined the programme, which authorities say will continue and be adjusted to maintain control of the population.
This article was written with AI assistance and reviewed by a human editor before publication.