Evaluation of simple fences in preventing wild boar (Sus scrofa) damage to agricultural crops: Verification from factor "installation and maintenance"

Abstract

We investigated the effectiveness of simple fences in preventing agricultural crop damage by the wild boar (Sus scrofa). The types of fences that farmers could install and maintain included simple electrical, wire net, and tin plate fences. Hardware and maintenance requirements were evaluated separately. Results revealed that the potential for preventing damage by wild animals was higher for simple electric fences than for tin plate fences. When properly maintained, simple electrical and wire net fences were the most effective. No damage by wild boars was observed in fields surrounded by simple electrical fences that were maintained properly. Both proper installation and maintenance are therefore important prerequisites for ensuring that simple electrical and wire net fences are effective at reducing agricultural damage by the wild boar.