Assessing methods to live‐capture wild boars (Sus scrofa) in urban and peri‐urban environments
- 21 August 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Veterinary Record
- Vol. 187 (10), e85
- https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.105766
Abstract
Background Wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations are increasing worldwide and invading urban areas. Live-capture can improve the management of this challenge, maximising efficiency, allowing scientific studies and potentially improving animal welfare. This study assesses teleanaesthesia, drop-net, corral trap and cage trap to live-capture wild boar in urban and peri-urban areas, evaluating efficiency and animal stress through haematology and serum biochemistry. Methods From 2012 to 2018, 655 wild boars were captured in 279 operations (drop-net=17, teleanaesthesia=186, cage trap=66 and corral trap=10) in the urban and peri-urban areas of Barcelona (Spain). Haematological and serum biochemical variables were determined in 145 wild boars (42 drop-netted, 41 teleanaesthetised, 38 cage-trapped and 24 corral-trapped). Results Performance (wild boars captured per operation) was highest for drop-net, followed by corral and cage traps, and finally teleanaesthesia. The three physical capture methods were more stressful than teleanaesthesia, causing a more intense physiological reaction, muscular damage, renal function impairment and homeostasis adaption. Stress response was predominantly adrenergic for drop-net and cortisol-induced for cage and corral traps. Conclusion Teleanaesthesia is the choice in reactive urban situations thanks to its adaptability; drop-net effectively targets wild boars in peri-urban environments; cage and corral traps are useful as long-term methods in specific areas.Keywords
Funding Information
- Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca (FI‐DGR 2013, FI‐DGR 2014)
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (13/051, 15/0174, 16/0243‐00‐CP/00, 16/0243‐00‐CP/01)
- European Social Fund (2016FI_B 00425, 2018FI_B_00978)
- Generalitat de Catalunya
- AGAUR (FI-DGR 2013, FI-DGR 2014, 2016FI_B 00425, 2018FI_B)
- Ajuntament de Barcelona (13/051, 15/0174, 16/0243-00-CP/00 and 16/0243-00-C)
- European Social Fund (2016FI_B 00425, 2018FI_B_00978)
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