Targeting Boars
"Wild pigs are the largest wild animals in HK and are generally considered as dangerous 'agricultural pests'" says Agriculture Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) Fauna Conservation Officer, C.L. Wong. Complaints of a “threat to life and property from villages and rural residents” tripled from 2004 to 2005. Out of 116 complaints last year there were 6 boars shot after hunting teams were licensed by AFCD in November (3 of these in Sai Kung).
ESK sources have stated that there has never been an unprovoked attack by pigs on humans in Hong Kong. Like any other animal, a wild boar will attack to protect itself or, more importantly, its young. Our research has found that it is very rare for a boar to attack without provocation.
Although a boar's eyesight is not good, its hearing is sharp and sense of smell excellent. They are much more frightened of humans than the other way around and they run as soon as they sense someone coming into their territory. Even though adults can weigh up to 200 kg and be almost 2 metres long, they are fast runners and excellent swimmers, making it easy for them to escape.
Police spokespersons told Explore that hunting team members must "undergo and pass a standard firearms qualification test administered by the Weapons Training Division of the HKPF, aimed at ensuring competency of the individual to use a shotgun whilst on the hunt". Unfortunately, this does not necessarily mean that they know how to hunt or stalk.
Interestingly, the hunting teams get to decide what happens to the fruits of their labour. Although not all pigs caught are edible, Explore imagines that there may have been a few festive gatherings around the roasting spit after a hunt. Is it possible that the “threat to life and property” complaints came from villagers hankering for some roast pig?
Granted, they are a nuisance, and there are some very legitimate cases of concern too. Gardens and farms around the territory are often being raided. The pigs' tough snouts burrow into the ground for roots or vegetables and that acute sense of smell makes it easy for them to zero in on those especially yummy treats.
Sai Kunger, Mike Rigg, has reported feral pigs "giving him a hard time" on his walk behind the kindergarten at the end of Che Keng Tuk Road. Even if those pigs were protecting their young, it would be a real concern for safety given the proximity to the school. As far as he is aware, no hunting team has been called in, despite police investigation.
The 'mauling' of the Kau Sai Chau golf course by a family of 20 boars made the news around the world in 2004. Previously not sighted on the island, the family swam over from nearby High Island and wallowed in the abundance of a particularly tasty grub – to boars, that is! Rather than bring a hunting team in (as suggested by the Economic Development Committee of the Sai Kung District Council), night watchmen were hired to patrol the course in noisy maintenance vehicles with high beam lights. This greatly reduced the turf damage (from 1,000 to 20 square metres). The golf course then installed electric fencing.
Kevin Yuen, General Manager of the Jockey Club facility, told Explore: "There's lots of misunderstanding about wild boars! We're not keen to hunt them; instead we prefer to use preventive measures such as electric fences, which won't harm them but merely deter them… Since the installation of the fences late last year, the whole matter has improved greatly, with very small areas damaged by boars, mainly in the rough areas. We are pleased with the current situation. As a matter of fact, we are working on a review of the habitats of wild boars with ecologists to help us understand wild boars better."
Boars are part of the natural ecology of Hong Kong and it behoves us to attempt to preserve that ecology rather than destroy it. Surely, when pigs take a fancy to your produce, installing an extra strong or electric fence seems a small price to pay for protection rather than calling in a team of hunters.
Certainly, the feral pig population is growing exponentially and the numbers need to be controlled – but – what use is two killings per month by the AFCD sanctioned Boar Swat team? AFCD Fauna Conservation Officer/Enforcement, C.L. Wong, told Explore that no consideration is given to conserving these animals anywhere in the world because they are dangerous animals. No doubt a cornered animal about to charge is dangerous. But many of those who spoke to Explore believe that more investigation into the use of tranquilizer darts and sterilization of females to reduce numbers should be considered before the guns are cocked.
Check out the whole story about Sai Kung's wild boars and dogs. We’ll be adding your stories to the website – so give us the scoop by sending an email to animals@exploresaikung.com
Then it's your turn..... We’ll be adding your stories to the website – so give us the scoop by sending an email to animals@exploresaikung.com and/or Have your say... on the Explore Discussion Forum.