The impacts of feral boar on woodland flora and fauna in Great Britain

Abstract

Feral boar have relatively recently become established in woodlands in Great Britain, but the long-term effect of their presence, in particular rooting activity, on woodland habitats and biodiversity is unknown. Protocols to investigate boar presence, densities and impacts to inform policy makers and practitioners are being investigated within a collaborative project by Forest Research and The Food and Environment Research Agency, funded by Forestry Commission and Defra. Results are presented from initial studies on plants and invertebrates carried out in a series of woodlands in south east England.

Keywords

• biodiversity
• feral boar
• impacts
• Sus scrofa
• woodland