Monitoring of 24-hours activity in a population of wild boar (Sus scrofa)

Abstract

: The aim of the study was to determine 24-hour activity of the Wild Boar at the baiting sit established in a forest ecosystem next to large scale plantations, moistly of maize. The study was based on 24-hours monitoring by camera traps. This pilot study was conducted during a year (from May 2015 to June 2016) in western Poland. Recording the exact time and date of each observation made it possible to determine the 24-hour rhythm of the studied species. Moreover, we obtained information on the seasonal change of the structure and size of the packs, and on the frequency of their occurrence at the baiting site. Changes in the size of packs over the year matched directly the animals’ breeding cycle. The highest activity of Wild Boars was recorded between 10:00 p.m. and 02:00 a.m. In each month the time of their coming and leaving the baiting sit matched sunrise and sunset. Wild Boars were also active during the day. This refers mostly to small groups of a few unexperienced squeakers and piglets without the leading females.