Journal of Environmental Biology

Integrated approaches for the management of wild boar (Sus scrofa) infestation: Insights from a decadal study in Telangana, India

V. Sunitha¹*, I. Aruna Sri¹, S. Somireddy¹, R. Panuganti¹, R. Mandla¹ and V. Chaudhary²     

¹Entomology Department, All India Network Project on Vertebrate Pest Management, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Hyderabad-500 030, India

²Network Coordinator, All India Network Project on Vertebrate Pest Management, ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur-342 008, India

Received: 26 June 2025                   Revised: 07 October 2025                   Accepted: 12 November 2025

*Corresponding Author Email : vanamsunitha10@gmail.com                          *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1320-3432

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the distribution, population trends, seasonal activity, and crop damage caused by wild boars (Sus scrofa) across agricultural landscapes in Telangana, with the goal to identify effective mitigation practices and conveying the documented policy strategies to reduce crop losses and promote sustainable human-wildlife coexistence.

Methodology: The present study aimed at a long-term surveillance program conducted for a period of ten years from 2014-2024 across 270 villages in 20 districts of Telangana, emphasizing the distribution of wild boars, their population trends, seasonal activity, crop damage, and mitigation practices to reduce the crop loss.

Results: Spatial analysis, field-based random quadrant sampling revealed that damage due to wild boar infestation  ranged from 17% to 48% depending on crop type and season. Likewise evaluation of various control technologies revealed physical fencing, bioacoustics, and solar-based deterrents, the best management practices for management of wild boar in different farming systems

Interpretation: The findings offer actionable insights for policy  formulationand extension strategies aimed for mitigating crop loss and improving coexistence between agriculture and wildlife.

Key words: Damage assessment, Management, Wild boar, Wild life conflict

Copyright © 2026 Triveni Enterprises. All rights reserved. No part of the Journal can be reproduced in any form without prior permission. Responsibility regarding the authenticity of the data, and the acceptability of the conclusions enforced or derived, rest completely with the author(s).