While the Natural Resources Institute Finland’s annual survey is based on several sources, the observations of hunters are the main source of information.
The wild boar has been making a comeback in Finnish nature for the past few decades. Even in Pirkanmaa, many people have reported a species that rumbles through the forests, sometimes even foraging in the fields.
Now there are fewer sightings than before, or at least they are less talked about. However, data from the Natural Resources Institute of Finland also suggest some reduction.
According to these data, a few years ago there was a nationally significant density in Pirkanmaa, although it remained in a relatively small area on the border between Ruovesi, Teisko, Juupajoki and Orivede.
The species also seems to have decreased slightly throughout the country. It is clear that the focus is still on Southeastern Finland and the eastern parts of Uusimaa.
In January 2023, the population of the entire country was, according to Luke’s estimate, a good 2,500 individuals. In reality, the throw can be quite up or down, and there is no sure way of verification. However, the direction of development can be discerned.
Luke estimates at least hunting and the snowy winter months of 2022 to be the reason for the decrease. The information is based on e.g. to hunters’ long-term observations.
The wild boar is also a valued game animal. The total catch in Finland in 2022 was over a thousand individuals. However, it means a drop of almost a third from the previous year.
The monitoring of the strain was intensified in Finland in the 2010s. One key reason was concern about the spread of African swine fever. We haven’t encountered it so far, and we don’t want to: the disease is devastating for both wild and production pigs.
*More Pirkanmaa news* on *Yle’s website**. Listen, watch and read what’s happening near you.*
*Do you have a News Tip or did you describe the news situation? Send a tip* *tampere@yle.fi*(mailto:tampere@yle.fi)*.*