English 
Spanish 
4 min read
136 comments
The overpopulation of wild boars and wild pigs is putting biodiversity and public health in São Paulo at risk. The government has launched a multi-million dollar tender to monitor, capture and slaughter up to 380 animals in conservation areas. Experts warn of the seriousness of the problem and the importance of technical and ethical measures.
Did you know that the Government of São Paulo is offering more than R$ 1 million to solve a problem that has been devastating biodiversity in conservation areas of the state?
It sounds like a movie plot, but this initiative addresses an urgent and controversial environmental issue.
Wild boars and wild pigs, invasive species known for their high destructive capacity, have become a threat to both nature and public health.
- Brazil's GDP growth hits 2,8% in 2024, but World Bank warns of fiscal challenges due to pension spending and public debt
- This is the new BIGGEST farm in Brazil, impressive for its surprising size, valued at 30 BILLION, has 970 km of roads and could house 10 countries together
- Highway project ignored for 50 years rises from the ashes promising to radically transform the region with many jobs, tourism and a strong economy; environmental risks, however, terrify experts
- Envy of Brazil! Argentina achieves an economic feat it hasn't achieved in years
But what is the plan to combat this overpopulation? Keep reading to understand the details of this action and how it could impact the future of protected areas.
The million-dollar initiative against wild boars
The Government of São Paulo, through the Forestry Foundation, recently announced a notice that provides for the contracting of services for monitoring, capturing and slaughtering wild boars and wild pigs in five conservation units in the state.
The measure, which allocates R$1,11 million for the execution of the plan, seeks to control the spread of these exotic animals, protect local biodiversity and guarantee the safety of those who frequent these areas.
According to the notice, the actions will be carried out at the Ecological Stations of Angatuba, Barreiro Rico, Itirapina and Santa Bárbara, in addition to the Ilhabela State Park.
Proposals can be submitted until December 23, 2024, when envelopes will be opened at 9 am.
The planned control foresees the slaughter of up to 380 animals, 200 of which will be in Ilhabela State Park alone.
Execution will be based on a rigorous technical plan to avoid errors and negative impacts on native fauna.
Why are wild boars and wild pigs a threat?
The European wild boar (Sus scrofa), introduced into Brazil, found no natural predators in the country. This allowed its rapid adaptation and uncontrolled reproduction.
When crossed with domestic pigs, wild boars are created., even more resistant and destructive species, which consume vegetation, destroy the soil and attack other native species.
The damage goes beyond the environment. These animals are vectors of serious diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease, leptospirosis and classical swine fever., which directly affects public health and the economy, especially the agricultural sector.
It is no coincidence that the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies wild boar among the 100 worst invasive species in the world.
How will the control be carried out?
The control plan established by the Government of São Paulo includes precise measures to ensure efficiency and minimize environmental impacts. The contracted service must:
- Map the presence of wild boars and wild pigs in conservation areas.
- Set traps, such as corn-baited pens, to capture the animals.
- Apply humane slaughter methods, with the aim of avoiding stress or scaring away the species.
The carcasses will be disposed of in an environmentally appropriate manner, following current regulations.
Experts explain that actions like this require a rigorous scientific approach to avoid mistakes, such as confusing wild boars with native pig species, such as collared peccaries and peccaries.
Expert opinion
According to biologist Davi Nunes Veloso, the presence of wild boars and wild pigs in Brazil represents “the second biggest threat to biodiversity, behind only climate change”.
In addition to the ecological damage, he highlights the health and economic risks associated with the proliferation of these species.
“These animals are vectors of diseases and parasites that can impact wildlife, public health and natural resources.
Control through slaughter is essential, but technical planning is needed to avoid collateral damage to native fauna,” says the specialist.
Veloso also highlighted the importance of prior monitoring carried out by biologists, which helps to correctly identify species and ensure that measures are taken ethically and responsibly.
A necessary effort to protect the environmental future
With this initiative, the Government of São Paulo hopes to mitigate the negative impacts caused by wild boars and wild pigs, protecting biodiversity and ensuring a safer environment for visitors to conservation units.
The expectation is that the plan will result in a significant reduction in the overpopulation of these invasive animals.
Those interested in participating in the call for proposals can access more information directly on the official website of the Florestal Foundation. The deadline for submitting proposals is December 23, 2024. The full notice is at www.gov.br/compras.
What do you think?
Is the measure announced by the government sufficient to contain the damage caused by wild boars and wild pigs in conservation areas? What other strategies could be adopted to combat the problem? Leave your opinion in the comments!
Better late than never.
Another drain for public money.
In Brazil, unfortunately, we do not have hunters. Our self-trained CACs, although the acronym says so, are not hunters. If so, we would just release hunting and provide a disposal system.
Wake up, 1 million….(The first lady has already spent 63 million on corporate)
Crazy name speaks crazy
67…..going up
This slaughter must be carried out carefully and controlled with good supervision, otherwise it can serve as a backdrop for the hunting of native and already threatened species.
I agree, a good and necessary thing can always be distorted!
No one is **** enough to win a 1 million bid, to hunt ****, for example; not receive what they won in the bid and still receive a heavy fine. Let's think about it.
You're talking ****. You know very well what the CACs are for here in this country.
Release the hunting and in a short time everyone is killed and the population is grateful