Despite an increase in the number culled each year, their numbers have almost doubled to over 1000 since 2013, according to findings from the Forestry Commission’s annual thermal imaging survey. The cull is implemented once a year to try and limit their colony to just 400 individuals – a bureaucratic condition of their unofficial release. Three years ago, the cull was suspended after concerns their densities were getting too low to remain viable. Personally, I think it’s great to see that once native wildlife such as this is thriving in spite of artificial attempts to disrupt the natural equilibrium of the ecosystem they inhabit. Either reintroduce a creature and let it live naturally without interference, or don’t do it all: the Forest of Dean example appears to be a half-baked and contrived compromise.

The deputy surveyor of the Forest of Dean described the results of the survey as “disappointing”. Did he expect nature to play ball and capitulate to their mathematical projections? I’m surprised they seem surprised; nature cannot be constrained by a man-made methodology. Those involved in ‘regulating’ the wild boar talk of suppressing their numbers to preserve the rich ecology of the woodland and allowing them to live in harmony with the local community. I can’t help feeling that, if the ecosystem and surrounding area is so fragile and sensitive to change, should they have been released here in the first place; or has their detrimental impact on the area been exaggerated? That said, the majority of the population now living wild are the result of deliberate, unofficial releases, or escapees from farms.

I’m sure if it had been an official reintroduction with the blessing of all concerned, we wouldn’t be talking about culls. Should an animal be exterminated for simply following its natural instincts?