Behavioural ecology of wild board (Sus scrofa) in an Apennine enviroment

I analysed the influence of some biological and ecological variables on population growth and spatial behaviour of a wild boar population. This research was carried out in Tuscan Apennine (Italy). I collected lower jaws and utera of hunted females. From this study emerged an high reproductive potential of this specie. Also piglets females could reproduce, when they exceed the body mass threshold of 35 Kg. The litter size was higher in comparison with other ungulate species. Wild boar females were able to adjust their reproductive features in according to climate and food conditions. For the spatial analysis wild boar localizations were obtained with radio tracking technique. I observed smaller home range when food availability was high for both sexes. In comparison with males, females were more sensible to climate conditions. Wild boar spatial behaviour was affected by the presence of water in the environment. In particular when water quantity in creeks was high, wild boars increased their movements and they tend to stay more distance from water resources (ditches). I showed the importance of shrubs as refuge area in wild boar. All individuals stayed farer to shrubs during the night comparing to other part of the day. Piglets were more sensible to predation and used more frequent areas near shrubs in confront to other age classes. Females were closer to shrubs during Spring, while males increased the used of shrubs in Autumn and Winter.