An excessive and worrying number
The excessive number of wild boars is also determining in Sardinia a widespread alarm among farmers, who complain of ever-increasing damage to crops. To this alarming figure, which is the subject of numerous reports, is added the number of road accidents caused by this wild animal, which puts the safety of motorists at risk. The Sardinian Region is also studying an extraordinary plan to limit the number of wild boars which, according to data provided a few days ago by Ispra (Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research), have caused quantifiable damage to agriculture in recent years, in 120 million euros for a total of over 105 thousand events. “As recently reported by agricultural associations, the problem is also strongly felt in Sardinia – says the president of the Region Christian Solinas – and requires immediate action to protect the agricultural economy and the safety of citizens. In recent years, on the island, the number of road accidents caused by wild boars has increased significantly, to the point of exceeding 2022 events during 1.200".
How to improve controls
"Added to this - says President Solinas - is the growing number of reports of the presence of these wild animals in inhabited centres". On the recommendation of President Solinas, the councilor for the Defense of the Environment, Marco Porcu, immediately started studying the interventions made possible by the 2023 Budget Law with a view to limiting a species that is causing damage throughout the national territory. "For a more effective control of the species, I asked the competent Ministries to evaluate the extension of the hunting exercise, exclusively for the collection of the wild boar, at least on the four Sundays of the month of February", explains the commissioner, who sent a letter to the Ministries of the Environment and Energy Security and of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty.
What is the Region aiming for?
"The objective of the Region is to provide for the number control of the wild boar both for the protection of zoo-agro-forestry productions, and for that of public safety and road safety, also providing for the slaughter by way of derogation from the rules on the activity hunting. The request also takes into account the fact that in Sardinia, unlike the other Regions, hunting is allowed only for two days a week”, adds councilor Porcu (source: Sardinia Region).