A simple method for the assessment of wild boars' (Sus scrofa) habitat use

Interest in wild boar hunting has been growing, so the importance of wild boar preserves has also increased. Different opinions exist regarding the optimal size of these preserves, notably regarding the optimal number of artificial feeding sites and the distance between them because those strongly affect the behavior of the animals. In this study, wild boars' feeding habits were examined in a preserve of 300 ha. We wondered how the animals would use 4 feeders. More specifically, we assessed whether wild boars would share or divide the feeders among themselves and how the distances between the feeders would influence their feeding habits. We marked the forage (corn) of each feeder with glitter of 4 different colors. After a first observation, we repeated this intervention 4 days later, again with 4 different colors. The glitter was evaluated to ascertain the optimal characteristics of the material: digestibility, ease of identification in the feces, and color fading or change. Feces were collected from selected routes, localized using global positioning system, and the colors were identified. In total, 210 samples were collected and glitter was found in 165 of them. Our results show that wild boars' movements can be estimated through the use of glitter. We could show that 1 animal used several feeders, and the feeders have a remarkable effect on habitat use. The development of this method could significantly help game managers in establishing an optimal feeder configuration.