Wild boar populations in Catalonia and Spain have reached extreme densities, according to the first harmonised European map of the species.
The groundbreaking research reveals over 200,000 wild boar were present in Catalonia before the arrival of African Swine Fever, with more than 2.4 million across Spain.
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Consequently, this poses significant risks for disease transmission and rural economies.
Wild Boar Map Highlights Critical Mediterranean Corridor
The map, developed by the Game Resources Research Institute (IREC) and the ENETWILD consortium, places the total European population between 13.5 and 19.6 million animals. Furthermore, it identifies an area of particular concern: the Mediterranean corridor stretching from southern France and Catalonia to southeastern Spain. This region shows what researchers describe as an “extreme population density.”
This high concentration is especially worrying because it coincides with major transport routes. Therefore, it multiplies the risk of disease entry and potential spread to commercial pig farms. The institute has extended this alert across Europe, noting that despite increased annual culls, wild boar numbers have seen “constant and accelerated” growth continent-wide in recent years.
Meanwhile, this represents a “critical risk” for animal health and the rural economy. The research provides a unified view where previously data was fragmented, with each country using different counting methods. The new tool harmonises this information, moving from abundance indices to density estimates—the number of individuals per square kilometre.
A New Tool for Disease Management and Control
The map offers a resolution of 2×2 km, achieving a level of detail and consistency never before attained for a terrestrial wild species in Europe. This shift allows for greater biological realism, better comparability between countries, and direct application in epidemiological and risk analysis models. In other words, it provides a solid foundation for the analysis, surveillance, and management of diseases like African Swine Fever.
According to the IREC, the map helps understand disease transmission dynamics, persistence, and spread. Additionally, it aids in carcass search efforts and control measures. The tool’s creation follows confirmed cases of African Swine Fever in Barcelona’s Collserola Park, highlighting the urgent need for such monitoring.
Beyond Spain, the map shows higher wild boar presence in western European countries, including France, Italy, Central Europe, and the Adriatic coast. Density decreases as one moves east and north across the continent, with the exception of Norway, which also hosts a high number of these animals.
The publication of this wild boar map marks a significant step forward in wildlife management and disease prevention. It offers authorities a powerful, evidence-based tool to mitigate risks that affect both ecosystems and agricultural livelihoods. The data underscores the ongoing challenge of managing booming wild boar populations across Europe.
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