Japanese wild boars head north: Snow depth decrease, wildlife conflict, and structural changes in agriculture

Human–wildlife conflicts, specifically the damage caused to crops and livestock, pose a significant challenge that affects agriculture. Climate change has exacerbated this issue by altering the distribution and behavior of wildlife. This study examines how farmers respond to the increasing encroachment of Japanese wild boars on farmlands, using panel data at the farm level. The study exploits the expansion of wild boar habitats owing to reduced snow depth. The results show that the presence of wild boars leads to farm exits. In addition, we observe a negative effect on farm size. These effects are driven by an increase in abandoned farmland and a decrease in rented‐in farmland. The findings suggest that human–wildlife conflicts hinder structural changes in agriculture.