Wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a synanthropic species that is increasingly coming into contact with humans as it expands its distribution range and population density. In the general public, it is perceived as a harmful (conflict) species, primarily due to foraging on agricultural plants and characteristic rooting behaviour in cultivated landscapes. However, the environmental factors influencing wild boar damage remain relatively poorly understood. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of these factors and to support the development of more effective long-term coexistence strategies, this study analysed data on damage events collected from public records and field surveys. Based on these data, we developed spatial models that predict areas with a higher likelihood of wild boar damage or rooting based on environmental characteristics. The thesis presents the spatial and temporal dynamics of damage occurrence in detail, along with an assessment of the damages (both in terms of financial compensation and voluntary labour). Our findings indicate that wild boar population density and landscape heterogeneity—specifically, the mosaic of agricultural fields and forest patches—are the main drivers of damage occurrence. Characteristics of agricultural land use (e.g., fertilization frequency and method, land-use intensity) also play a significant role. For a more precise understanding of the influence of vegetation, we recommend more systematic surveys of both above- and below-ground plant biomass at rooting sites in future studies.
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