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Researchers have called for a fresh strategy in addressing the growing populations of feral pigs in Scotland. These animals, which include both farm escapees and those illegally released into the wild, are most commonly found across the Highlands as well as Dumfries and Galloway. The Scottish Government has indicated it is continuing to evaluate whether additional coordination or oversight measures might be necessary to manage the situation more effectively.
Responsibility for controlling feral pigs currently lies largely with individual land managers, who are encouraged to collaborate with local communities to mitigate the environmental and agricultural impacts caused by the animals. Since feral pigs are not protected by law, they may be legally culled to help manage their numbers where they are present. Despite this, researchers have described the existing system of governance as “fragmented and reactive,” suggesting that improvements could be made.
Concerns extend beyond environmental damage, as experts emphasize the potential risk these animals pose in spreading disease to domestic livestock. The report advocates for the establishment of a national forum to bring together diverse perspectives on the management of feral pigs. This would address unresolved tensions between Scotland’s objectives related to rewilding and the need to protect agriculture from damage and disease threats.
Toryn Whitehead, a doctoral researcher at King’s College London, highlighted that even the terminology used to describe these animals is a point of contention. “They are officially called feral pigs, and I found in my research that many people locally do call them that,” Whitehead said. “But there are also a substantial number of people locally who call them wild boar. So what they are and their precise identity is kind of highly contested.” Meanwhile, the Scottish Government stressed that the illegal release of animals into the wild poses serious welfare risks and has impacts on farmers, landowners, and nearby communities. A spokesperson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing discussions with stakeholders to decide on any further necessary actions. NatureScot, Scotland’s nature body, expressed support for the research and said it is actively collaborating with relevant agencies and land managers to better monitor feral pig populations through methods such as drone surveys and camera traps
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