Wild boars are frequently seen at night in many Sai King villages, including here at Hoi Ha
Wild boars, infected with African swine fever, have been found for the first time in Hong Kong. BUZZ has reported on a number of cases of wild boars causing problems in the Sai Kung area in the past, causing traffic accidents along Sai Sha Road and Clear Water Bay Road. We have also reported on wild boars being injured after being caught in illegal traps, and getting trapped in rubbish bins.
Wild boar fatally trapped in rubbish bin in Hoi Ha in 2019
Recently residents of Tseng Tau Village, Shap Sze Heung have commented to local media that In the past two years, the number of wild boars in the village has recently increased from six or seven to more than 10 wild boars appearing at the same time, and they are getting bigger as well. One has been estimated to weigh more than 100 kgs. Photos have been published on social media showing rubbish scattered around the garbage collection points in a number of local villages.
Wild boar trapped in illegal trap in O Tau in 2020
Other netizens are worried that infected boars will get into local pig farms and other places to spread the virus. According to a document from the Environmental Affairs Committee of the Legislative Council, the AFCD conducted a preliminary study in 2019, using infrared cameras to cooperate with regular data collection, and using statistical analysis to estimate the number of wild boars in Hong Kong and their breeding trends. Preliminary analysis showed that there are about 1,800 to 3,300 wild boars in the countryside of Hong Kong.
Wild boar in fatal accident with motor cycle on Sai Sha Road
In response to the recent occurrence of abnormal wild boar deaths in Siu Sai Wan on Hong Kong Island, for example, the AFCD conducted laboratory tests on a wild boar carcass found at Black Point Trail in Siu Sai Wan, which determined that it was positive for the swine flu virus. This is the first case of wild boar infection with African swine fever virus in Hong Kong. The AFCD will continue to monitor the situation and conduct wild boar surveillance.
Recently Guy Shirra, of Friends of Sai Kung, circulated a letter to members on the subject; we print it below:
In the 60s and 70s the police operated a professional boar hunting team based at the Village Patrol Unit which responded to complaints of crop damage by New Territories farmers. As farming declined the AFCD took over using volunteer hunters to man the team.
Unfortunately this team failed to operate safely and often failed to notify police or local authorities in advance or post bilingual warning notices of planned hunts as required by Home Affairs Department. Complaints from villagers and NT residents poured in and their activities seem to have ceased.
NGOs emphasised the need for feral animal-proof waste bins which are finally being introduced by Food and Environmental Health Department (after requests since the 70s!) in some NT locations. Wild boar numbers are undoubtedly increasing but culling is not the answer. In my experience they are harmless and add colour to our remaining natural environment.
Perhaps the experts at Kadoorie Farm have an answer on how best to manage them?
Buzz team members agree with Guy. These animals are pleasant creatures sharing our environment and we feel they should be left alone. We do not believe they are any danger, because as soon as they see a human, they bolt. When you see the mums with their piglets trotting behind it is a real pleasure.
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