If they get into some of the forestry bl;ocks out in the west there will be no stopping them!!
Over here people seem unable to actually NOT shoot one when it tuns up on their land, and so although there are some areas with decent populations generally they don't get a foothold in any new ground as easily as they might. Ireland could be a completely different kettle of fish.
My thoughts are that certainly in the wilder areas upland/commercial plantation, there is enough cover for them. I just don't know that there is enough feed for them. Can they survive on rough grasses, moss etc?
Lowland Ireland is intensively farmed. Farms are small, 100 acres is a decent size here. There is very little broadleaf woodland. There is no chance of a coordinated response with the Irish, some people will tolerate them, others will want them shot on sight. As Gabe says, these areas are heavily lamped for foxes - there will be plenty of boar with 50gr V-maxs stuck in their gristle plates.
I would love to see a sustainable population with sufficient cover to carry them. I doubt this is possible on any large scale.
Just because you are paranoid, doesn't mean they are not out to get you....
If I was an Irish pig farmer, then I'd be worried. Wild boar populations in UK and Ireland threaten outdoor pig production businesses (which are hard pressed enough) with additional biosecurity issues. The available habitat in Counties Wicklow, Kilkenny and Tipp is excellent for boar. There is no shortage of ecological space for them to occupy. The Western Oakwoods and upland bogs afford great foraging for pigs - lots of fungi, invertebrates, sedge roots etc - as well as seasonal fruits and no frost let alone snow most years. Barry Coad is an experienced wildlife manager who has a good feel for what is happening in the Republic so those of us who wish to see the return of this species should get our wish. I think releasing them was massively irresponsible, but once they are out there, one needs to just accept it and plan for their management.
Posts: 51 | Location: Wiltshire, UK | Registered: 05 September 2006
Boar like woodland for peace and quiet and farmland for easier feeding,with combination of both will be ideal habitat for them. And from what I heard they are already there,not in huge numbers but the population will grow. What ever next?? Perhaps they came to Ireland nowing they`d be safe now brassthief is in Canada
Posts: 203 | Location: New Zealand | Registered: 26 November 2006
Ok,it,s true ! An article was penned in Irish Shooters Digest a couple of months ago about a boar shot in Co.Tipperary. 180kgs of porker.Thats a lot of pig ! There were photos also to back it up.
Posts: 458 | Location: Ireland | Registered: 12 May 2004
Ok,it,s true ! An article was penned in Irish Shooters Digest a couple of months ago about a boar shot in Co.Tipperary. 180kgs of porker.Thats a lot of pig ! There were photos also to back it up.
OK Angus, so next question, is anyone taking bookings??
Just because you are paranoid, doesn't mean they are not out to get you....
that brought them
