Spatial and temporal characteristics of the damage caused by wild ungulates in maize (Zea maysL.) crops

Timing and extent of crop damage by wild pigs (Sus scrofa Linnaeus) to corn and peanut fields

“…Wildlife damage to crops is typically variable in both space and time, with damage often concentrated during specific plant growth stages (Garrison and Lewis, 1987;Chiyo et al, 2005;Humberg et al, 2007;Bleier et al, 2017). For example, damage to a variety of crops in Africa and Asia by elephants (Loxodonta Africana Blumenbach and Elephas maximus Linnaeus, respectively) and pig species (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, Potamocherus larvatus Cuvier, and Phacochoerus africanus Gmelin) is often less severe during intermediate growth stages compared to either the seedling or mature stage (Gross et al, 2018).…”

“…For example, damage to a variety of crops in Africa and Asia by elephants (Loxodonta Africana Blumenbach and Elephas maximus Linnaeus, respectively) and pig species (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, Potamocherus larvatus Cuvier, and Phacochoerus africanus Gmelin) is often less severe during intermediate growth stages compared to either the seedling or mature stage (Gross et al, 2018). Similarly, wild boar primarily consume crop plants when nutritional value is maximal, such as immediately after planting or just prior to harvest, with a reduction in consumption and damage between these peaks (Gimenez-Anaya et al, 2008;Schley et al, 2008;Bleier et al, 2017). Wildlife damage to crops also is highly variable spatially, with both inter-and intra-field damage often correlated with habitat attributes associated with animal movements or preferred non-agricultural resources (e.g., forest edges, riparian areas; DeVault et al, 2007;Retamosa et al, 2008, Thurfjell et al, 2009.…”

Influence of seasonality, environmental and anthropic factors on crop damage by wild boar Sus scrofa

“…The logistic model had high predictive power, as highlighted by ROC curve analysis, and stressed the importance of cover and human disturbance in determining the risk of damage. Fields close to woodlands are commonly exploited by wild boar throughout their range (Saito et al 2011, Li et al 2013, Bleier et al 2017, Lombardini et al 2017, because forest patches provide areas to thermoregulate, a source of food when other agricultural crops are not available, and shelter from predators and human disturbance (Choquenot & Ruscoe 2003, Theuerkauf & Rouys 2008, Merta et al 2014. The avoidance of human activities is further confirmed by the negative relationship of damage risk with distance to urban areas, human population density and main roads.…”

“…Spring is the sowing season for maize, during which time wild boars unearth and consume seeds, obliging farmers to restore maize fields and causing a consequent delay in plant growth. Meanwhile, summer coincides with the milk stage of maturity in maize, which attracts wild boar because corncobs represent an important source of food at this time of year and maize plants also provide good cover in daylight hours (Wilson 2004, Schley et al 2008, Bleier et al 2017).…”

Evaluation of wild animals browsing preferences in forage resources

“…Damage is caused on different kinds of crops, such as annual herbaceous crops or vineyards (Calenge et al, 2004;Bleier et al, 2016) or on forests, especially taking into account the difficulty of trees regeneration or growth (Gill and Beardall, 2001;Côté et al, 2004). To face this situation, habitat improvements are often performed to recreate suitable environments for animal species and to reduce damage in cultivated crops or natural resources (Ponzetta et al, 2010).…”