Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Environmental Studies (MES)

Department

Geography & Environmental Studies

Faculty/School

Faculty of Arts

First Advisor

Professor Scott Slocombe

Advisor Role

Primary Advisor

Abstract

Abstract

DEVELOPING POPULATION CONTROL STRATEGIES FOR WILD BOAR MANAGEMENT IN CANADA

Amanda Wong Advisor: Scott Slocombe

Wilfrid Laurier University 2020

Canada’s landscape faces major threats from the growing wild boar (Sus scrofa) population, whose current presence predominantly threatens the Prairie provinces. Globally it has become apparent that wild boars are robust animals with high reproductive rates and destructive behaviours in both their native and non-native ranges. This paper analyzes wild boar management strategies that have been conducted around the world to identify the most effective tools, and those that were unsuccessful. The wild boars in Canada are hybridized pigs, a mix of Sus scrofa and domesticated pigs, which were subsequently released in the 1990s after a failed introduction of game meats in the food sector.

To achieve the objective of the research paper, a review of wild boar impacts and management research was completed, with a greater focus on studies from North America. Literature that demonstrated successful removal of wild boar or the reduction of damage by boar within a study site were favored. Following the data extraction, an analysis of the Canadian invasive species strategy at a federal and provincial level was conducted to determine the current weaknesses in invasive species plans and how wild boar management could be incorporated into the existing frameworks.

The research suggests that a coordinated approach with non-lethal and lethal tools had the best results in eradicating wild boar. The results from the literature analysis demonstrated that a mixed approach would provide the best results, but this requires more advanced frameworks in provincial and federal strategies. To make the necessary management improvements, more research is required to determine i) the total wild boar numbers in Canada ii) the full extent of ecological damage iii) and the economic losses in the agricultural and natural resource sectors.

Convocation Year

2021

Convocation Season

Spring

Download

Share

COinS