Reproductive potential of free-living wild boar in Central Europe

Abstract

The population of wild boar has rapidly increased over the past decades in many environments. Climate changes, changes in agricultural policy orientation, and, for example, insufficient hunting and predation pressure on the wild boar have made it one of the key species of the 21st century in Europe. Currently, the biggest threat related to the distribution and abundance increasing of wild boar in Europe is their contribution to spreading of African swine fever (ASF) disease. In order to prevent the spread of ASF and its consequences, it is essential to reduce the population of the wild boar to the lowest possible level. The rate of reduction required depends on the initial population size and the population recruitment rate. These are affected, among other factors, by the carrying capacity of the environment, the provision of artificially supplied foods, and feeding at baiting sites, to assist hunting. This study evaluated the reproductive potential of wild boar populations in the Czech Republic, across a range of environmental conditions. The environment significantly affected the physical condition of piglets, yearlings, and adult sows. In lower-quality environments, piglets entered puberty earlier than in higher-quality environments. Pregnancy has been reported in piglets from the age of 7 months. The average litter size was 4.08 for piglets, 5.83 for yearlings, and 7.01 for adult sows. The sex ratio of piglets was affected by the body condition of the mother. The reproductive potential of the current Central European wild boar population is high. This study showed that approximately 95% of females will be impregnated during the non-vegetative season. An average increment of 5 piglets per female, or 3 piglets per wild boar who survived the winter, can be expected.