Surge in wild boar population in upcountry areas

By Ifham Nizam

The wild boar population has spiked in the upcountry areas, an ongoing study reveals.

Also known as wild swine and common wild pig, the species is now one of the widest-ranging mammals in the world, and the increasing trend is common to Sri Lanka as well along with the population of peacocks and Toque monkeys, an expert said.

Researcher-cum-author Rajika Gamage said the good news is that due to the increase in the number of wild pigs, the leopard population in Sri Lanka has also gone up, especially in the upcountry estates.

However, he warned that the danger is that some people in the upcountry tend to consume various kinds of meat including that of .

“As this should not be the case, it is imperative to conduct awareness campaigns to educate the upcountry people in this regard”, he told The Sunday Island.

Gamage said that there is evidence of three black leopards roaming in the estates, though the number could be much higher.

The Wildlife Department said that plantations such as coconut, yams and bananas have been severely affected by the increasing wild boar population.

Though the killing of wild boars within forest reserves is prohibited under the law, there were no restrictions on killing the animals that enter plantations and destroy crops.

However, the sale of wild boar meat is illegal and those found guilty of the offence could face fines up to Rs 30,000, the Wildlife Department said.