Most Unwanted: Wild boar
Sus scrofa
Habitat: Terrestrial
Threat: Threatens woodlands.
Status: Potential
What
Wild boar are large omnivorous mammals with powerful bodies and coarse hairy coats. Wild boar, with no natural predators (historically the wolf would have predated on wild boar) in Ireland could expand unchallenged and may also significantly harm agricultural activities e.g. crop production and transmit disease to domestic livestock.
Impacts
Like other introduced mammals, wild boar are major drivers of extinction and ecosystem change. They have been introduced into many parts of the world, and are known to damage crops, gardens, amenity areas as well as potentially spreading disease. They uproot large areas of land, eliminating native vegetation and spreading weeds. This results in habitat alteration, a change in plant succession and composition and a decrease in native fauna dependent on the original habitat (ISSG).
Where are they from?
Wild boar became extinct in Ireland in prehistoric times. In modern day Ireland, these species would pose a serious threat to biodiversity, human health and safety and economic activities.
Where are they now?
This species is now present in many parts of Europe, including Britain. This species is also invasive in many parts of the world.
How can they get here?
Importing these species is the only viable pathway of introduction. Therefore, the main pathways into Ireland will be through the main ports of entry (by sea or by air). Importation of both species maybe allowed under licence but illegal smuggling is also a very real possibility.
What you can do to help?
Do not introduce wild boar to Ireland.
Report all sightings.
