The Orihuela countryside is currently experiencing a significant increase in the presence of wild boars in agricultural areas. In order to mitigate the damage caused by this species, the Department of the Environment, led by Noelia Grao, has authorised controlled capture or hunting activities, subject to a technical report from the department.
These animals are causing substantial economic losses to farmers, as evidenced by the devastation of crops and the damage to irrigation infrastructure, as has been confirmed in recent weeks. This situation not only compromises the viability of specific farms but also poses an additional risk as a result of the proximity of wild boars to inhabited areas.
These authorisations are issued in compliance with the most recent regional regulations, which mandate the implementation of exceptional measures to manage wildlife populations when substantial harm to agriculture, infrastructure, or human safety is demonstrated. To achieve this objective, it is imperative to submit a technical report that substantiates the necessity of the action and the most suitable control method.
Noelia Grao emphasised that “Respect for the environment and the protection of agricultural activity are two priorities that must be achieved in tandem.” Consequently, all actions are subject to subsequent surveillance to assess their efficacy, are executed in a controlled manner, and are backed by technical support.
The Department of the Environment will persist in its collaboration with farmers, hunting associations, and competent authorities to address the situation.
to resolve this issue. The Ministry of Environment, Infrastructure, and Territory regulates these types of permits through the “Application for control of wild ungulates in common hunting areas” procedure, which permits the use of methods such as waiting, hooking, beating, or surveillance in justified cases. The procedure is open year-round and is governed by Law 13/2004 on Hunting of the Valencian Community and Order 22/2021, which specifically regulates wild boar control in the Community. In addition, petitioners are required to submit an initial technical report and a results report that enables the regional administration to follow up after the action.
Author: Derek Appleton
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