Managing the Conflict of Human–Wildlife Coexistence: A Community-Based Approach

Abstract

One of the most recent and pressing issues for policymakers to address is the presence of wild boars in urban and rural areas. Their aggressive spread and invasion of human-populated areas have created an alarming problem as the coexistence of wild boars and people poses serious threats to human life and property. Human-caused factors, such as residential zone expansion and land use change, have exacerbated this problem. Furthermore, natural factors, such as predator reduction and climate change effects, create favorable conditions for population growth. This study sought to gain insights into citizens’ perspectives on a current issue, specifically wild boar colonization and coexistence in urban and rural settings. Between September 2021 and November 2022, a survey was conducted in two communities of northern and central Greece, addressing 800 citizens in total. Obtained through hierarchical log-linear analysis, factor analysis and two-step cluster analysis, the findings indicate that rural citizens appear to be more concerned about agricultural production losses and the high risk of road accidents, while the invasion-level perception was high in both areas. Intensive hunting has gained widespread acceptance as a management tool for wild boar populations in both urban and rural areas, while anthropocentric (EGO) and ecocentric (ECO) social groups have emerged.

Wildlife and parasitic infections: A One Health perspective in Greece

“…In recent years, the wild boar population in Greece has experienced an unexpected expansion, mirroring trends observed in other European countries ( Papatsiros et al, 2020 ). This growth has raised concerns within the scientific community regarding the ecological and epidemiological implications of the distribution of wild boars close to humans and domestic animals ( Tampakis et al, 2023 ).…”

“…Apart from their impact on biodiversity, anthropogenic activities have also brought humans, domestic and wild animals closer ( Iliopoulos et al, 2021 ; Tampakis et al, 2023 ). Occasionally, this interaction results in human-wildlife conflicts, primarily occurring in rural areas.…”

“…Occasionally, this interaction results in human-wildlife conflicts, primarily occurring in rural areas. Nevertheless, in recent years, this conflict has also spread to urban and peri-urban areas with dense human populations due to the expanding distribution and movements of wild animals in human-dominated landscapes ( Tampakis et al, 2023 ). This trend is especially evident with red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) and wild boars ( Sus scrofa ), whose population is rising.…”

“…This trend is especially evident with red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) and wild boars ( Sus scrofa ), whose population is rising. In addition to other major European cities, wild boars, sometimes in groups, have been observed roaming not only in the metropolitan region of Thessaloniki in Northern Greece but also in other cities, such as the rural area of Trikala in Central Greece, known for its significant agricultural production ( Tampakis et al, 2023 ). Urban areas may offer a secure habitat for various wild animal species, providing protection from predators, ample hiding places, and food sources ranging from discarded waste to pet food left out by residents for stray dogs and cats.…”

Cross-Landscape Approaches to Human Wildlife Conflicts—Naïve or Necessary?

“…The importance of "backyard biomes" as refuges for wildlife, as well as the importance of wildlife as a source of enjoyment and recreation for humans, will probably play an increasingly important role in the future (Figure 1). At the same time, it is also important to keep an eye on the potential for possible conflicts, e.g., vectors carrying zoonosis or risks to human property and infrastructure [14,15].…”