The Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests, I.P. (ICNF, I.P.), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Sea, has initiated a pilot project focused on controlling the wild boar population. This initiative covers over 1,300 hunting zones spread across 65 municipalities in 15 districts of mainland Portugal.
The measure responds to the significant growth in wild boar populations and the associated negative impacts. These include considerable damage to agriculture and forestry, an increase in the species' presence in urban and peri-urban areas, and a rise in road accidents. Furthermore, public health concerns, such as the prevention of African Swine Fever, are driving this action.
With a total allocation of 500 thousand euros, the project foresees financial incentives for hunting zones that achieve control results exceeding their historical average. The financial support amounts to 50 euros per male and 70 euros per female for specimens counted above this average. An additional subsidy of 10 euros per specimen is also planned for those sent to approved game handling establishments, promoting the safe use of meat. The maximum support amount per hunting zone is 2,000 euros.
The selection of the 65 participating municipalities was based on rigorous technical and scientific criteria, considering reported agricultural and forest damage, road accident incidence, health risks, and the species' territorial expansion. The allocation of subsidies will be subject to individual verification of the results presented, ensuring the process's transparency and accuracy.
This pilot project will run until May 31, 2027, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of this incentive model as a tool for sustainable management of wild boar populations. The pre-registration period began on Wednesday, October 14. Detailed information regarding the opening notice, participation conditions, and the full list of covered municipalities are available at www.icnf.pt.
