Contrary to popular belief that the Chernobyl disaster is the main cause of radioactivity in wild boars in Europe, a recent study points to Cold War-era nuclear weapons testing as a major contributor. Although radioactivity levels in other wild animals have decreased over time, they remain remarkably high in the wild boar population, particularly in the German state of Bavaria.
Researchers from the Vienna University of Technology and the Leibniz University in Hannover conducted tests with meat from 48 wild boars in Bavaria. They discovered that the lingering radioactivity is largely attributable to nuclear tests conducted in the 1960s, the effects of which are still present in the region’s soil. Published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, the study indicates that radioactive cesium from these tests has seeped into the soil, contaminating deer truffles, a food source favored by wild boar.
The study also notes that the situation is unlikely to improve in the near future. More radioactive cesium from the Chernobyl disaster is expected to seep further into the soil, exacerbating the contamination of deer truffles.
This continued pollution not only poses a risk to the wild boars, but also threatens the ecological balance of the Bavarian forests. The study warns that because these wild boars are not hunted for their meat due to radioactive concerns, their population could increase unsustainably, affecting the forest ecosystem.
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