Current distribution and population status of wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) in Greece

This is the first attempt to estimate wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) population density anddistribution in Greece. The study took place in 2004, in all 38 Greek counties of the mainland, as wellas in the larger forested Greek islands: Crete, Rodos, Samos, Lesvos, Limnos, Thasos, Corfu,Kefalonia and Zakinthos. It was observed that the species was present in every county in continentalGreece, with the exception of the two counties Attica and Evia. Attica, which includes the capital cityof Athens, is densely inhabited not allowing much space for wildlife. Evian is an island connected tothe mainland with a bridge. Wild boar can be found in an area around 19,495 km2, which is about 14%of the country. The mean distribution altitude reaches 686 ± 266 m. The average population numberwas estimated at 19,033 (0.98 ± 0, 21 ind/km2) individuals with maximum population level 23,030animals, and a minimum of 16,536. The highest mean density was observed in the prefecture of StereaHellas (1.26 ind/km2) and the lowest in the prefecture of Thrace (0.89 ind/km2). The maximum densitywas found in Sterea Hellas (3.14 ind/km2) and the minimum density in Thrace (0.13 ind/km2). Theabove results are expected to provide valuable information for the management of wild boar in Greece.