Habitat and reproductive phenology of wild boar (Sus scrofa) in the western Iberian Peninsula

Heidelberg

2006

S. 207-212

3 Abb., 3 Tab., 41 Lit. Ang.

Artikel aus einer ZeitschriftUnselbständiges Werk

200137083

We examined the reproductive phenology of wild boar populations in four regions of the western Iberian Peninsula during the 1999/2000 hunting season (October–February). To estimate conception dates and birth distribution frequencies, we used foetal weights. Regions differed significantly, and we detected a relationship between region and birth distribution frequencies. Throughout the year, food availability had a major influence on the distribution of farrowing. Although a short period of high food availability leads to highly synchronous births, even in relatively harsh environmental conditions, adult females that exploit low-quality food items appear to be able to give birth at any time of the year.