“We have implemented all possible actions in the area a scheduled hunting, aimed at containing wild boars, aware that their surplus causes direct and indirect damage to agricultural and forestry crops and represents a significant risk factor for the safety of people, especially in relation to road accidents ". This is what was declared by the vice president and councilor for agricultural and forestry policies of the Basilicata, Francesco Fanelli, in relation to some news that appeared in the press. Of particular importance is the “Plan of selective killing and control of the wild boar species”. The annual plan for the selection hunting it foresees 5.600 animals to be slaughtered, 70% of which are young and sub-adult females under the age of two.
The methods of collection of the selection hunt are the culling from fixed posting, abatement with the endorsement method and the "Withdrawal of urgency or on call" which allows, in the case of potentially danger or imminent danger for human activities or for the safety of people, on an extraordinary basis, the authorization of selection hunters residing in the municipality to which they belong. The implementation of the Plan is delegated to the territorial hunting areas (ATC), which they use selecontrollers trained for selection hunting.
In the year 2021, with data updated at the end of July, over 1.000 animals were slaughtered, a growing trend compared to previous years. The three-year control plan 2021-2023 aims to reduce the claims for damage caused to agricultural crops by at least 30 percent, adopting, depending on the period, the following forms of sampling: culling by stalking or killing with the turn method and captures by means of cages and / or fences (manhole covers). "Furthermore, we were one of the first Italian regions to allow the tenant owner of the agricultural land, equipped with a weapon permit - says the commissioner - to request authorization for the killing of wild boars that have caused damage to their land," using the appropriate forms, the validity of which is 12 months from the date of issue ".
“Alongside these measures - adds the vice president - we have approved the first pilot project for the construction of one Lucanian wild boar meat supply chain, trying to transform the problem into an economic opportunity by reducing the presence of ungulates in the area and giving the possibility to a Lucanian company to export a quality product ". On the regional territory there are three slaughterhouses authorized to processing of wildlife meat (Tito Scalo, Atella and Calvello). "In the event that the Municipalities want to present an application for the opening of further slaughterhouses - Fanelli affirms - the Region would have no reason to prevent their activation, subject to possession of the requisites envisaged by the sector regulations". Finally, the commissioner emphasizes the qualification courses and the need for extraordinary measures.
“Despite the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, it should be remembered that in the last year alone we have enabled 319 selecontrollers, in addition to the more than 1.500 operators already trained, without forgetting the courses for limiere dog handlers. We are aware that while implementing all the actions described, including the meeting held with the Prefects to allow the mayors to issue contingent and urgent ordinances - concludes Fanelli - the problem, present in all Italian regions, unfortunately does not find a definitive solution. We have already formally asked in the past the intervention of the central government, and we will return to do so, so that extraordinary measures are activated to stem what is a real emergency ”.