Hong Kong’s Wild Boar Dilemma in the Year of the Pig

By Aleksander Solum

HONG KONG (Reuters) – Hong Kong, one of the most densely populated cities in the world, is experiencing an increase in wild boars venturing into urban areas.

While some residents perceive the boars as a good omen, particularly with the upcoming Chinese Lunar Year of the Pig, others express concern over reports of aggressive encounters, indicating that these wild animals pose a growing threat.

Although Hong Kong is not widely recognized for its biodiversity, it maintains a significant natural environment, with 40 percent of its land designated as protected parks and reserves. This area is home to various wildlife, including boars, barking deer, porcupines, otters, endangered pangolins, giant Burmese pythons, and over 530 bird species, some of which are also at risk.

As the city continues to develop, the encroachment of urbanization is attracting more wild boars to its outskirts. These animals have been reported charging at hikers, rummaging through garbage, and even making their way into shopping centers and airport runways.

"Most Hong Kong wild boars have lost their fear of humans," stated Roni Wong, a member of a local group advocating for the protection of these animals. She noted that residents feeding the boars has led to them losing their natural instincts, with many feeding sites identified, which are in violation of local wildlife protection regulations.

The increasing habituation of boars to human presence has raised safety issues. Complaints related to wild pigs have more than doubled since 2013, with over 700 incidents reported in 2017, including some attacks on individuals.

Jeremy Young, a district councillor representing an affluent area known for its wild boar presence, noted, "Many residents who used to enjoy outdoor activities, especially at night, have stopped going out. They’re scared of encountering a large male boar."

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department acknowledged the situation, stating that certain boars pose immediate risks to public safety, especially those that have attacked people or are accustomed to scavenging in urban environments.

Some locals, including Young, suggest that the government should permit selective culling by "civilian hunting teams" as a means of managing the boar population, a practice previously halted in 2017 following opposition from animal rights activists. However, the department has dismissed this proposal.

Instead, it plans to implement measures to relocate problematic boars to more remote areas and equip some of them with GPS trackers. Authorities currently do not have an estimate of the wild boar population in Hong Kong or whether their numbers are genuinely increasing or simply more frequently entering urban settings.

"Most people here don’t mind the wild boars," remarked 40-year-old taxi driver Water Siu, right after a boar interrupted his barbecue outing in a country park. "In fact, we see them as our neighbors."