Seasonal patterns of food use of wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) in a Central European floodplain forest
Elisabeth Knapp, University of Vienna (AT)
This study analyzed seasonal and spatial changes in wild boars' diet in Donau-Auen National Park using stomach contents of 242 shot individuals. Plant matter (e.g. crops) proved being the most important food, while animal diet was negligible. Diet composition most likely was affected by management measures and/or human disturbance. A more natural feeding behavior of wild boars could only be achieved when reducing baiting. However, this may reduce hunting success, resulting in a population increase with potential negative impacts (e.g. on floodplain forest vegetation, increased crop raiding).