How the interaction between human settlements and their sociocultural development favored the introduction and expansion of exotic species: The wild boar (Sus scrofa) in the sierras of Córdoba as a case study

Abstract

In the last 300 years, mankind has transformed a large part of the planet's surface, drastically changing the landscape. One of the indirect factors of this modification is the voluntary or accidental introduction of invasive alien species (IAS). These produce severe ecological impacts and conflicts with human populations, such as the destruction of crop fields, attacks on people or domestic animals and the transmission of diseases.

In the province of Córdoba, one of the most relevant IAS is the wild boar (Sus scrofa).  This species has been recorded several times by rural inhabitants and tourist areas of the department of Calamuchita, Province of Córdoba, who have expressed their concern to the corresponding authorities.

The objective of this work is to present an analysis that gathers the results obtained in the framework of an environmental diagnosis oriented to wild boar management where the bibliographic information of the study area, the problem species and the perception of the problem by the inhabitants of Villa Berna interact. It describes how the geographic location, the geomorphological processes together with the climate shaped the relief and endowed the area with particular characteristics for the development of native biodiversity. These conditions, together with the influence of the first human settlements and subsequent cultural changes, subjected the system to economic and use practices that favored the introduction of exotic species. Over time, these species modified the landscape, producing characteristics that were appreciated by the settlers, but at the same time contributed to generate habitat components favorable for the establishment of the wild boar.