Hi,
I apologise if I have not made the topic clear enough. I am studying at Kingston University and this is part of a research project I am conducting. Here is an exert of my project proposal which should clarify the project aims and methods:
"Is the implementation of a closed hunting season necessary for the sustainability of the European wild boar (Sus scrofa scrofa) population in the UK?
The aim of this project is to establish if wild boar populations in the UK are sustainable without a seasonal hunting ban, or if populations are too small in localised areas that over hunting may cause the species to become extinct in the UK.
Research materials to be used in this study are the distributed questionnaires which have been formulated to determine a number of facts which may be an indicator as to decline/incline of wild boar populations, as well as other factors which may indicate an effect in the population. To carry out this research, questionnaires shall be distributed to a small but relevant sample size, comprising of Local Councils, hunters of wild boar, and wildlife organisations. This form of cooperative inquiry incorporates experiences, explanations and expert opinion and in effect makes the participants partners in this research (Easterby-Smith et al., 2008:94).
As well as uncertainty surrounding population figures, there is also confusion surrounding breeding seasons of the species. It is claimed by some that wild boars have a prolonged breeding season, and for this reason, no official hunting season can be granted to them due to fear of over-population (BASC, 2011; DEFRA, 2008; FDDC, 2009 cited in Goulding, 2009:64). Conversely, it is suggested by Spitz, 1986 (cited in DEFRA 2004:3), BASC (2011) and Moore, 2004 (cited in Goulding, 2009:64) that sows are seasonally polyoestrus, and that only when food is abundant they may produce two litters a year. This research project will investigate what time of year commercial hunters and landowners see offspring, determining if boar in the UK are breeding more than once a year which will obviously have a significant effect on populations."
All data recieved shall remain anonymous.
Carey