A review of wild boarSus scrofadiet and factors affecting food selection in native and introduced ranges

Abstract

The wild boar Sus scrofa is an omnivore with one of the largest geographical ranges of all species. However, no synthesis exists on its diet, feeding behaviour and factors affecting food selection in its native and introduced ranges. A literature review and a test of effect size revealed significant differences in wild boar diet composition in native and introduced ranges. Wild boar diet is dominated by plant material (∼90%) in both ranges, but animal matter and fungi are consumed in greater proportions in the introduced range than in the native range. Food items frequently include agricultural crops (especially in the native range) and endangered animal species (especially in the introduced range). Energy requirements, food availability, and seasonal and geographical variations are major factors influencing food selection by wild boar. These factors may also interact with human activities (e.g. agricultural crops, supplementary feeding) to influence diet composition further. Dietary studies should be more rigorous and consistent across ranges to allow better comparisons. A detailed study of diet in combination with seasonal patterns of habitat use could provide key information such as target species and susceptible habitats on which management efforts should focus.

Wild boar rooting intensity determines shifts in understorey composition and functional traits

“…‡Data derived from Pignatti (1982). The other functional traits were measured in this work according to the guidelines reported in Cornelissen et al (2003 iour of wild boar may be extremely selective (Sandom et al 2013), and can lead to the substantial decrease of a few species especially in certain seasons and conditions (Ballari and Barrios-Garcia 2014); on the other hand, wild boar rooting produces disturbed areas that are prone to the colonization by few species able to reproduce vegetatively as it was observed in Gray Beech Forest of the Great Smoky Mountains (Bratton 1975). Interestingly, both these mechanisms strongly depend on understorey species functional traits, the first depending on palatability, the second being influenced by species ability to reproduce vegetatively.…”

Disparate responses of above‐ and belowground properties to soil disturbance by an invasive mammal

“…While the lack of a forest type by rooting interaction surprised us, we think this result can be explained by the boar's diet. Boar are generalist feeders, which has allowed them to establish populations almost anywhere they are introduced (Ballari and Barrios-Garcia 2014), indicating a great ability to find resources in a variety of ecosystems.…”

Attractants for wild pigs: current use, availability, needs, and future potential

“…Soybeans (Glycine max), peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), and artichokes (Cynara scolymus) are also highly desired during the short season when the plants are mature (Pine and Gerdes 1973;Ditchkoff and Mayer 2009). Wheat, sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), rice, barley (Hordeum vulgare), and other grains are also commonly consumed (Schley and Roper 2003;Herrero et al 2006;Ditchkoff and Mayer 2009;Ballari and Barrios-García 2014).…”

“…Additionally, consumption of animal matter may be important for growth and survival of young wild pigs (Schley and Roper 2003). Commonly consumed animal items include birds, small mammals, deer fawns, young wild pigs, herpetofauna, and eggs of ground nesting birds and reptiles (Ruckel and Steele 1984;Schley and Roper 2003;Ditchkoff and Mayer 2009;Elsey et al 2012;Ballari and Barrios-García 2014). Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) and grubs also appear to be preferred and highly sought in some areas (Baubet et al 2003;HeisePavlov et al 2005 Wild pigs need routine access to surface water for drinking and thermoregulation (Baber and Coblentz 1986;Gabor et al 1997) and subsequently prefer to bed, wallow, and forage near seeps, springs, and lakes (Baber and Coblentz 1986;Atwill et al 1997).…”