THE INTRODUCTION OF WILD BOAR Sus scrofa L. ON THE ISLAND OF CYPRUS

Abstract

ABSTRACT In 1990, five wild boars (Sus scrofa L.) from Greece were introduced to the island of Cyprus for game farming. Examination of the coloration of piglets born in captivity indicated that they were the product of crossbreeding with domestic pig. In 1994, wild boars were illegally released in Lemesos (Limassol) Forest and, in 1996, in Troodos National Forest Park. Quickly, the population increased and dispersed throughout the park. The Troodos National Forest Park has an area of 9,337 ha and, with 72 endemic plants, the highest biodiversity in Cyprus. For that reason, wild boars have the potential to cause considerable damage to the local flora and fauna. On 6 November 1997, the government of Cyprus decided to eradicate wild boar because of the danger of transmitting diseases to livestock and to prevent possible environmental destruction. To control wild boar, hunting was permitted and the game wardens were instructed to eliminate free-ranging animals. The attempt to eradicate wild boar failed. The reasons for the failure are discussed