Boar Research Articles

Economic effects of wild boar damage to crops in protected areas of Nepal

Human wild-boar conflict is one of the prominent issues in Nepal, especially in areas adjacent to protected areas. Wild boars cause substantial damage to the agricultural crops and affect the lives of rural farmers through economic loss. However, the extent of this loss varies across protected areas. Thus, this study aims to compare the economic loss due to crop damage by wild boar between two protected areas with different management regimes; Shuklaphanta National Park (ShNP) and Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (DHR). We used a questionnaire survey and descriptive statistics to characterize and compare the pattern of human wild boar conflicts between ShNP and DHR. Altogether, the two protected areas experienced a crop damage of 87,035.78kg with an estimated economic loss of 26,389 USD in our study. The most damaged crop in the ShNP was paddy whereas that in DHR was potato. We recorded a higher crop damage and economic loss in ShNP than in DHR. However, the severity of conflict is higher in DHR with around 8% of the total production damaged by wild boar. Although the government declared wild boar an agricultural menace in 2023 and permitted killing on private lands, local communities should also apply other mitigation measures to prevent wild boars from entering crop fields. Additionally, the potential introduction of trophy hunting in ShNP (already permitted in DHR), following comprehensive studies, could help reduce economic losses associated with human-wild boar conflicts. Such combined efforts could create a more sustainable approach to managing wild boar populations while safeguarding local agriculture and livelihoods.

Measuring transboundary disease spread - ASF in wild boars straddling Piedmont and Liguria

The aim of this paper is to describe the impact, dynamics and risk factors of the incursion of the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus detected in early 2022 in the wild boar population straddling Piedmont and Liguria, 24 months after its emergence.A study area of 4,162.2 square kilometres, comprising 234 municipalities in Liguria and Piedmont (north-western Italy), along with an external buffer zone, was considered. The epidemiological units were wild boars tested for ASF using real-time PCR between late December 2021 and December 31, 2023. The data were obtained from passive and active surveillance. Conventional methodologies were applied in the analysis of time series of tests, cases, or prevalence rates of positive animals. Maps were used to visualise and compare the monitoring activities, the location of cases and municipal standardised prevalence ratios. Clustering of high and low trends was studied by semester using a space-time permutation model. Risk factors analysis was based on multivariate Poisson regression modelling.Over the 2-year study period, the epidemic's spread was closely monitored by testing 10,412 wild boars (25% of them from passive surveillance). Probability of disease detection was 10.9 times higher among found dead animals compared with animals tested in active surveillance. Difficulties in carcass searching led to heterogeneities in surveillance sensitivity achieved locally and inherent uncertainties. A total of 1,165 wild boars that tested positive for ASF have been detected in 125 municipalities across three provinces. The outbreak has expanded over time and exhibited an increasing trend, with an epidemic doubling time of 10.7 months. There was seasonality, with an increasing trend from summer to spring. Prevalence rates followed the same temporal pattern. Significant low and high clusters respectively indicated endemic episodes in the interior areas of virus circulation and an ongoing invasion of surrounding regions.The characteristics of this outbreak align with the cycle of wild boar habitat transmission observed in other outbreaks across Europe. The measures implemented were not sufficient to stop the epidemic: however, targeted interventions such as depopulation campaigns, reinforcement of physical barriers and increased biosecurity measures have prevented local spillover to domestic pigs and partially hindered the advance of the disease. In addition, the shown seasonality of the disease, likely can enhance control measures. The ongoing studies of the local wild boar populations and the evolution the epidemic along with the lessons learned so far will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of efforts to limit and ultimately eradicate the disease.

The mercury and low molecular-weight antioxidants levels in ungulates of the Republic of Karelia

The high toxicity of mercury (Hg) poses a danger to the environment and humans, but studies of the concentration of this metal in organisms of terrestrial ecosystems are few. Ecotoxicologists also pay little attention to studying the role of antioxidant vitamins in protecting cells from toxic metals. The Republic of Karelia is one of the northwestern regions of Russia, the biogeochemical features of which can contribute to an increase in the mobility and bioavailability of Hg in food chains. The purpose of the work was to determine the concentration of Hg in the liver, kidneys, muscle and hair of ungulate mammals of the Republic of Karelia (wild boar Sus scrofa L. and moose Alces alces L.) and to analyze the relationship between the level of this toxic metal and the content of low molecular-weight antioxidants – reduced glutathione, retinol and α-tocopherol. Species and tissue-specific of the studied parameters in wild boars and moose are noted. The observations discovered by other researchers that omnivorous species accumulate more Hg in their tissues compared to herbivores, and also that this toxic metal is predominantly accumulated in the kidneys, while muscles contain a minimal amount, have been confirmed. Hg concentrations in most samples of liver and kidney of wild boars and in all samples of these same organs of moose were within the limits recorded for domestic pigs and deer, respectively. The levels of Hg we recorded in the tissues and hair of wild boars and moose were generally comparable to or lower than the levels of this metal noted in animals from other regions of Russia and other countries of the world. In wild boars and moose of Karelia, no statistically significant relationships were found between the Hg level and the content of the studied antioxidants in the internal organs. Moose were characterized by a higher content of α-tocopherol in the body than wild boars, which is a feature of this type of herbivorous ungulate mammal. The results of the study indicate a relatively low level of mercury pollution in terrestrial ecosystems in Karelia.

The transmission routes of African swine fever during an outbreak in Serbia July–August 2023: African swine fever virus detections in environmental samples and insects

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic pigs and wild boar (Sus scrofa) caused by an arbovirus- African swine fever virus (ASFV), which is classified into the family Asfarviridae. Even though the main transmission route of ASFV is direct contact between animals and carcasses releasing ASFV into the environment, the role of other transmission routes such as via environmental contamination or insects remains in great part unclear. During an epidemic f ASF in Serbia in 2023, environmental samples (soil, feed, water and swabs from the pig barns), and insects [resulting in collection of adult and/or larval stages of non-biting flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae and Muscidae)] were collected in four locations in South Banat district of Serbia. To assess the possibility that insects carry the ASFV in infected courtyards, sticky fly traps and open Petri dishes containing meat mixed with humid cotton wads were offered in three locations during the five days of the experiment in the Belgrade area. Furthermore, to confirm the role of flies in ASF in mechanical transmission pathway in Serbia, L2 and L3 larvae of flies (Lucilia sericata Meigan, 1826; Stomoxys calcitrans Linnaeus, 1758) were collected from the pig carcasses from infected farms, bred to adults in the Laboratory and an ASFV spiked meat meal was placed into cages with three-day-old flies (n = 52) to estimate positivity of flies and duration of mechanical transmission of ASFV. The results from the environmental samples showed no positive ASFV DNA detection, the same was true for the samples from meat-based traps and sticky fly traps, while ASFV DNA was detected in three samples containing eggs, L1 and L3 fly larvae collected from carcasses and adult flies (L. sericata). In experimental conditions, only one S. calcitrans fly tested positive on day 1 post-infection. The results implicate the possible role of Lucilia sp. flies in the mechanical transmission of ASFV as well as S. calcitrans in Serbia during an outbreak, while ASFV DNA was not detected in environmental samples in this study.

Host Innate and Adaptive Immunity Against African Swine Fever Virus Infection

Africa swine fever virus (ASFV) is the causative agent of African swine fever (ASF), a highly contagious hemorrhagic disease that can result in up to 100% lethality in both wild and domestic swine, regardless of breed or age. The ongoing ASF pandemic poses significant threats to the pork industry and food security, with serious implications for the sanitary and socioeconomic system. Due to the limited understanding of ASFV pathogenesis and immune protection mechanisms, there are currently no safe and effective vaccines or specific treatments available, complicating efforts for prevention and control. This review summarizes the current understanding of the intricate interplay between ASFV and the host immune system, encompassing both innate and adaptive immune responses to ASFV infection, as well as insights into ASFV pathogenesis and immunosuppression. We aim to provide comprehensive information to support fundamental research on ASFV, highlighting existing gaps and suggesting future research directions. This work may serve as a theoretical foundation for the rational design of protective vaccines against this devastating viral disease.

PCV2 AND PCV3 GENOTYPING IN WILD BOARS FROM SERBIA

Porcine circoviruses 2 and 3 (PCV2 and PCV3) are known agents of diseases in domestic pigs and wild boars. PCV2 is an economically important pathogen causing porcine circovirus-associated diseases (PCVAD), while the recently discovered PCV3 is associated with similar disorders. Wild boars can serve as a PCV reservoir for domestic pigs, which is a particular risk for pig farms with low biosecurity. Reports of these infections in Serbia are sporadic, and this study was intended as a follow-up to an earlier study. Our aim was to assess the prevalence and genetic characteristics of PCVs circulating in wild boars in a region in north-eastern Serbia with extensive hunting areas. In our study of 103 samples, 17.48% tested positive for PCV2 and 15.53% for PCV3. The low co-infection rates in 2.94% of the PCR-positive samples, suggests these viruses circulate independently. PCV2 prevalence was lower than in our previous study (40.32% out of 124 samples), but the genetic stability of circulating strains was detected with a clear genotype shift towards PCV2d-2. Moreover, this is the first report of PCV3 occurrence in wild boar in Serbia, and the detected strains were grouped into two genotypes: PCV3-1 and PCV3-3c. The PCV3-1 sequences were clustered with German strains, indicating the prevalence of this genotype in Europe. However, no further geographical correlation could be established, as the PCV3-3c representative was separated within the cluster containing Chinese and Indian strains. Furthermore, there was no correlation between PCV positivity and pathological findings in the sampled animals indicating subclinical infection.

Abstract Su202: Physiological response to vasopressor administration during hemodynamic-directed CPR

Background: The hemodynamic response to successive vasopressor doses during CPR and its association with survival is poorly defined. Understanding these relationships can facilitate identification of alternative vasopressor strategies. Hypothesis: Non-survival is associated with lower responsivity to successive vasopressors. Methods: We performed retrospective analysis of hemodynamic data acquired in pediatric swine models (sus scrofa, 9-12kg) of asphyxia-associated ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest with use of hemodynamic-directed CPR (n=175). Starting 2m into CPR, if hemodynamic targets were not met, vasopressors were given in cycles comprising two doses of 0.02mg/kg epinephrine (Epi) followed by vasopressin (Vaso, 0.4U/kg), separated by a minimum of 1m. After a minimum of 2m, the cycle was repeated. Hemodynamic response was evaluated using the peak diastolic blood pressure (DBP) within 1m for Epi, 2m for Vaso administration and the difference between the initial and peak DBP (delta DBP). Subjects were classified as “responder” if either a delta DBP > 5 mmHg or a peak DBP > 25 mmHg was achieved, and a “non-responder” otherwise. Animals were deemed “survivors” if ROSC was achieved following initial defibrillation. The change in delta DBP for successive vasopressors was compared in survivors versus non-survivors using two-sided Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Continuous variables are summarized using the median with interquartile ranges. The burden of “non-response” was used to a construct confusion matrix and calculate performance. Results: Non-survivors (n=30) had lower delta DBP than survivors (n=145) following successive vasopressor administration at the first cycle (first Epi dose: 7.8 [2.4, 14] vs 16 [7.5, 24], p< 0.01; second Epi: 2.0 [0, 4.7] vs 7.1 [2.0, 12], p< 0.01; Vaso : 1.1 [0, 2.3] vs 7.1 [2.0, 12], p< 0.01). Classification as a “non-responder” at the first cycle (Epi-Epi-Vaso) was significantly predictive of non-survival (Sensitivity 32%, Specificity 92%). Animals that failed to respond to all vasopressors at the first cycle had a significantly increased rate of mortality (86%; 6 non-survivors, 1 survivors) compared to animals that responded to all 3 vasopressors (13%; 16 non-survivors, 111 survivors). Conclusion: Mortality was significantly associated with lower DBP response to successive vasopressors during hemodynamic-directed CPR in pediatric swine models of cardiac arrest, which may suggest a critical timepoint to activate ECPR.

Development and evaluation of an autism pig model.

Developing cost-effective and disease-relevant animal models is essential for advancing biomedical research into human disorders. Here we investigate the feasibility of a pig model for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using embryonic exposure to valproic acid (VPA), an antiepileptic drug known to increase ASD risk. We established experimental paradigms to assess the behavioral characteristics of these pig models. Administration of VPA to Bama miniature pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) during critical embryonic stages resulted in abnormal gait, increased anxiety levels, reduced learning capabilities and altered social patterns, while largely preserving social preference of treated piglets. Notably, we detected significant neuroanatomical changes in cortical regions associated with ASD in the VPA-treated pigs, including cortical malformation, increased neuronal soma size, decreased dendritic complexity and reduced dendritic spine maturation. Transcriptome analysis of the prefrontal cortex of VPA-treated pigs further revealed substantial alterations in the expression of genes linked to ASD, especially genes of the dopamine signaling pathway, highlighting the model's relevance and potential for shedding light on ASD's underlying neuropathological and molecular mechanisms. These findings suggest that pig models could serve as a promising alternative to traditional rodent models and provide a more ethical substitute for the use of primates in translational research on neurodevelopmental disorders.

Exploring the Relationship Between the Size and Diverticular Number of Carpal Gland in Four Pig (Sus Scrofa) Populations

The carpal gland is an important exocrine gland in pigs, functioning mainly through diverticula that release strongly odorous secretions. The size of the carpal gland and the number of diverticula may be related to its function. To measure its size, the gland must be dissected from the foreleg, and this procedure is time-consuming and cumbersome. The diverticulum is the outlet of the carpal gland, and its number correlates with the carpal gland size, but the correlation coefficient between them is still unknown. To explore the relationship between the size and diverticular number of the carpal gland, 788 pigs from four populations were used in this study. The length, width, thickness, weight and volume of the carpal gland were measured, together with its diverticular number. The phenotypic correlation coefficient between each pair of the recorded traits was calculated, and a two-factor analysis of variance was used to test whether sex and population have effects on the phenotypes. The carpal gland is a flat small stick with a length of 1.8–8.6 cm, width of 0.6–2.5 cm, and thickness of 0.2–0.8 cm, and its specific gravity is 0.51–1.36. Each carpal gland has 0 to 10 diverticula, and 82.3% carpal glands have 2–6 diverticula. The diverticular number correlates positively with the weight (r = 0.57 and rs = 0.58, p < 2.2 × 10−16) and volume (r = 0.55 and rs = 0.56, p < 2.2 × 10−16). Population and sex only explain 20% of the phenotypic variance, suggesting that the 80% of carpal gland influences remain unknown. In conclusion, the diverticular number can be used as a proxy for the weightand volume of the carpal gland, because it is easy to count and has a significant positive correlation with the size of thecarpal gland.

Differences in human and commercial hybrid pig platelet activation induced by borosilicate glass beads in a modified chandler loop-system.

The pig (Sus scrofa) is the most widely used large animal model in Europe, with cardiovascular research being one of the main areas of application. Adequate refinement of interventional studies in this field, meeting the requirements of Russell and Burch's 3 R concept, can only be performed if blood-contacting medical devices are hemocompatible. Because most medical devices for cardiovascular interventional procedures are developed for humans, they are tested only for compatibility with human blood. The aim of this study was therefore to determine whether there are differences in behavior of human and porcine platelets from commercial hybrid pigs when they come into contact with borosilicate glass, which was used as an exemplary thrombogenic material. For this purpose, changes in platelet count, platelet volume and platelet expression of the activation markers CD61, CD62P and CD63 were measured using a modified chandler loop-system simulating the fluidic effects of the bloodflow. Commercial hybrid pig and human platelets showed significant adhesions to borosilicate glass but the commercial hybrid pigs platelets showed a significantly higher tendency to adhere to borosilicate glass. In contrast to human platelets the platelets of commercial hybrid pigs showed significant activation after 4 to 8 minutes exposure to borosilicate glass and there were differences among the ratios of surface and activation markers in between the platelets of both species.

Grading Habitats for Ticks by Mapping a Suitability Index based on Remotely Sensed Data and Meta® population dataset in Aosta Valley, NW Italy.

Ticks represent a reservoir of zoonotic pathogens, and their numbers are increasing largely in wildlife. This work is aimed at producing maps of suitable habitats for ticks in Aosta Valley, Italy based on multitemporal EO data and veterinary datasets (tick species and distribution in wild hosts). EO data were processed in Google Earth Engine considering the following inputs: A) Growing Degree Ticks (GDT), B) NDVI from MOD09GA, C) NDVI entropy, D) distance from water bodies, E) topography, F) rainfalls from CHIRPS as monthly composites along the 2020, 2021 and 2022 years. Ticks were collected from hunted, injured, and found-dead wild animals ( Sus scrofa, Capreolus capreolus, Rupicapra rupicapra, Cervus elaphus); they were labeled at species level using taxonomic keys. Between September 2020 and December 2022, a total of 90 ticks were collected from 89 wild animals. Ixodes ricinus was the most prevalent tick species, followed by Dermacentor marginatusand Dermacentor spp. Molecular analyses demonstrated the presence of Anaplasma spp., B. burgdorferi sensu lato and Rickettsia spp. pathogens in infected ticks. To assess human population potential exposure to tick Meta® population dataset was used. In conclusion this study shows the potentialities of Remote sensing improving the technological transfer to the veterinarian sector.

Early behavioral indicators of aberrant feces in newly-weaned piglets.

Post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) is a frequently occurring health and welfare issue in weaned piglets. Behavioral changes indicating impaired health may be detectable before the onset of signs and could be useful to detect the development of PWD early, enabling targeted and timely interventions. Current algorithms enable automated behavioral classification on the group level, while PWD may not affect all piglets in one pen and individual level analysis may be required. Therefore, this study aimed to assess whether changes in pen activity or individual piglet behavior can be early indicators of the occurrence of PWD. During 3 replicated rounds, 72 piglets (Sus scrofa domestica, Landrace x Large White) weaned at 27days of age, were housed in 4 pens with 6 piglets each. Individual fecal color and consistency were scored (0-5; ≥ 3 considered as aberrant feces) six times during the first two weeks post-weaning using rectal swabs. Additionally, using a similar scoring scale, feces on the pen floor were assessed daily. Two methods were applied for behavioral scoring. Individual behaviors (eating, drinking, standing, walking; n = 48) were scored manually and instantaneously with a five-minute interval from videos of the first two rounds, while pen activity (eating, drinking, moving; n = 12) was analyzed automatically and continuously using a commercially available algorithm from videos of all three rounds. Piglets showing a relatively higher proportion of standing behavior one day before fecal scoring had increased odds of an aberrant fecal color score (odds ratio (OR): 4.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5-15.3). Furthermore, odds of aberrant colored feces increased in pens where piglets showed more moving activity two days before (OR: 6.14; 1.26 < 95%CI < 29.84), which was also found for fecal consistency (OR: 4.77; 95%CI: 1.1-21.6). Our results indicate that increased standing in individual piglets and an increased moving activity on the pen level may be important behavioral indicators of PWD before the onset of diarrhea. Further development of current algorithms that can identify behavioral abnormalities in groups, from the pen to the individual level, may therefore be a promising avenue for improved and targeted health and welfare monitoring.

How Does African Swine Fever Virus Evade the cGAS-STING Pathway?

African swine fever (ASF), a highly infectious and devastating disease affecting both domestic pigs and wild boars, is caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV). ASF has resulted in rapid global spread of the disease, leading to significant economic losses within the swine industry. A significant obstacle to the creation of safe and effective ASF vaccines is the existing knowledge gap regarding the pathogenesis of ASFV and its mechanisms of immune evasion. The cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS)–stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is a major pathway mediating type I interferon (IFN) antiviral immune response against infections by diverse classes of pathogens that contain DNA or generate DNA in their life cycles. To evade the host’s innate immune response, ASFV encodes many proteins that inhibit the production of type I IFN by antagonizing the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. Multiple proteins of ASFV are involved in promoting viral replication by protein–protein interaction during ASFV infection. The protein QP383R could impair the function of cGAS. The proteins EP364R, C129R and B175L could disturb the function of cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP). The proteins E248R, L83L, MGF505-11R, MGF505-7R, H240R, CD2v, E184L, B175L and p17 could interfere with the function of STING. The proteins MGF360-11L, MGF505-7R, I215L, DP96R, A151R and S273R could affect the function of TANK Binding Kinase 1 (TBK1) and IκB kinase ε (IKKε). The proteins MGF360-14L, M1249L, E120R, S273R, D129L, E301R, DP96R, MGF505-7R and I226R could inhibit the function of Interferon Regulatory Factor 3 (IRF3). The proteins MGF360-12L, MGF505-7R/A528R, UBCv1 and A238L could inhibit the function of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-Κb).

Cryptosporidium spp. in German wildlife: Detection, regional occurrence and diversity in wild boar, roe, red and fallow deer

Cryptosporidium is a cause of diarrheal infections responsible for a loss of human and animal welfare worldwide. The impact of the parasite is underestimated and the reported sources of infection are diverse, as it occurs in a wide variety of hosts. Wildlife has been reported as a notifiable source, but few studies are available on its occurrence in European wild boar and cervid species. To determine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium in game in Brandenburg, Germany, a molecular survey was conducted during the 2017 to 2020 hunting seasons. A total of 562 fecal samples from wild boar (Sus scrofa, n = 262), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus, n = 174), red deer (Cervus elaphus, n = 62), fallow deer (Dama dama, n = 51) and 13 samples of unspecified species were analyzed for both 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) and Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) gene sequence regions. PCR results showed that 21.2 % of the samples (n = 119/562) were positive for at least one target gene (18S rRNA: n = 114; COWP: n = 14), but differences in Cryptosporidium occurrence were observed within species and hunting seasons, with variations ranging from 1.8 % to 41.7 % (roe deer), respectively. Analysis of Sanger sequences of the 18S rRNA and COWP PCR products indicated that the C. sp. deer genotype was predominant in deer (roe deer: 86.7 %, red deer: 66.7 %, fallow deer: 58.8 %), while C. suis and C. scrofarum were mainly detected in wild boar (88.5 %). The human pathogenic species C. parvum was detected in only 1.2 % (n = 7) of the samples analyzed, but without a clear indication of a specific wild animal host. The highest Cryptosporidium diversity was found in wild boar and roe deer with five and four different species, respectively. Comparison of the 18S rRNA sequences with the designated reference revealed minor variations at several nucleotide positions in some isolates, possibly indicating evolutionary adaptations and the development of new subtypes. In conclusion, wildlife represents a reservoir for a diverse spectrum of Cryptosporidium species and may thus contribute to their environmental spread and the transmission to humans.

Parasitic fauna of wild boars (Sus scrofa) from the northwestern region of São Paulo state, Brazil.

In Brazil, the wild boar (Sus scrofa) is the main invasive exotic species, responsible for causing various economic, environmental, and health damages to biodiversity. In view of the above, we aimed in our study to investigate the occurrence of endo and ectoparasites in free-ranging wild boars in the northwest region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. In total, 45 animals of different sexes and ages were examined in this research. Fecal and urine samples were processed using coproparasitological techniques. Multiple incisions in muscles, liver, and pancreas were also made to investigate cestodes and trematodes, and the entire epidermal region of the animals was analyzed for ectoparasites search. In our study, we demonstrate an occurrence of 97.77% (44/45) and 43.33% (13/30) of endo and ectoparasites, respectively, in wild boars, with the identification of eggs of Metastrongylus spp., Strongyloides ransomi, Trichuris suis, Stephanurus dentatus, and nematodes of the order Strongylida, as well as oocysts of Eimeriidae protozoa. Ectoparasite infestations were mainly caused by ixodids of the genus Amblyomma spp. and by larvae of Cochliomyia hominivorax.

Influence of Human Hunting Strategies and Large Carnivore Presence on Population Dynamics of European Facultative Scavengers.

Ungulates serve as the primary carrion source for facultative scavengers in European ecosystems. In the absence of large carnivores, such as wolves (Canis lupus), human hunting leftovers are the main source of carrion for these scavengers. Additionally, wild boars (Sus scrofa) are heavily culled in many ecosystems and are both a significant prey species for wolves as well as a key scavenger. Nowadays, wolves and wild boars are re-establishing their historical home ranges. However, it remains unclear how their presence influences the population dynamics of facultative scavengers under different scenarios of human hunting strategies. We simulated the biomass densities of all states in the trophic web including European scavengers and wolves using an ordinary differential equations (ODE) model. The presence of wolves led to a positive trend in scavenger biomass in general. However, in general, we found that plant-based resources were more important for scavenger dynamics than carrion, regardless of whether the carrion originated from human hunting or wolf predation. Only when wolves were absent but boars present, the human hunting strategy became important in determining scavenger dynamics via carrion supply. In conclusion, our model indicates that population dynamics of facultative scavengers are not mainly driven by the availability of carrion, but rather by the presence of and competition for vegetation. Furthermore, our simulations highlight the importance of adapting human hunting strategies in accordance with the re-establishment of wolf and boar as these can cause fluctuating population patterns over the years.

A proposal for cut marks classification using machine learning: Serrated vs. non-serrated, single vs. double-beveled knives.

In tool mark identification, there is still a lack of characteristics and methodologies standardization used to analyze and describe sharp force trauma marks on skeletal remains. This study presents a classification method for cut marks on human bones, providing an applicable methodology for their examination and the relevant terminology for describing cases of sharp force trauma. A total of 350 cut marks were produced by stabbing pig ribs (Sus scrofa) with seven knives. The samples were analyzed under a stereomicroscope with a tangential light source. Through the analysis of cut marks, eleven traits were identified as significantly associated with the type of knife used. These traits included the general morphology of the kerf shape, the entrance and exit cross-profile shapes, the location of the rising on the entrance and exit cross-profile, the presence or absence of feathering, the presence or absence of shards and the location and the general morphology of the mounding. Binary logistic regression models were later trained and tested using nine out of the eleven traits. The first model categorized the cut mark as either produced by a serrated or non-serrated blade, while the second, as either produced by a single- or double-beveled blade. Classification scores of those models ranged between 63%-85% for the serration class and 63%-89% for the blade bevel class. This study proposes a new set of traits and the use of machine learning models to standardize and facilitate the analysis of stab wounds.

Percepción social y tendencia poblacional de mesocarnívoros y ungulados en el noroeste de la península ibérica

Mesocarnivores and ungulates were historically considered as harmful species to humans. Research into the relationship between the actual and perceived population abundance or trend can be useful in mitigating conflicts with these animals. In this work, the information on population trends (i. e. increasing, maintenance or decreasing abundance) obtained through semi-structured interviews with local people was contrasted with the data from a two-times-replicated camera-trap study, separated eight years between them, in the northwestern Iberian Peninsula. In general, we found a divergence between the two sources of information regarding the population trend in only two of the six species under study, red fox and wild boar. Specifically, camera-trap results showed a decrease in red fox catches, not reflected in the face-to-face interviews. On the contrary, face-to-face interviews indicated an increase in wild boar populations, not reflected in the camera-trap study. The findings of this study underscore the necessity of integrating different information sources to accurately assess the population dynamics of mesocarnivores and ungulates, thereby enabling informed management decisions.

Unveiling game meat: an analysis of marketing mix and consumer preferences for a forest ecosystem product

This study explores the dynamics of the game meat market, with a particular focus on venison and wild boar meat, to assess the impact of a nuanced marketing mix and strategy grounded in a comprehensive customer analysis. By conducting three pivotal research studies—namely, the Omnibus Survey (2022) and Consumer Market Analysis Polls (2021 and 2023)—and analysing their data, this research comprehensively analyses buyers’ preferences, motivations, and purchasing patterns. This paper is guided by three research questions aimed at examining the relationship between the game meat consumption and engagement in forest ecosystem services, including forest visitation, the sociodemographic characteristics of consumers and the criteria for market segmentation. The analysis focuses on identifying factors influencing the game meat consumption and examines how these factors may influence consumer behavior over time. It also explores the implications for the development of marketing strategies, based on Michael E. Porter’s approach, which is discussed in detail. Additionally, the research evaluates the role of game meat within the context of forest ecosystem services, its contribution to forest reforestation initiatives, and its relevance in the formulation of forest policy. This examination highlights the dual nature of game meat as both a market commodity and a critical element in ecosystem management and policy frameworks, seeking to harmonize the economic and ecological objectives.

Evaluation of β-Actin and Mitochondrial DNA Levels in Determining the Age of Suidae Remains.

African Swine Fever (ASF) is an infectious disease affecting pigs and wild boars, causing significant economic losses. Epidemiological surveillance plays an important role in minimizing its impact. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of β-actin DNA and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels in determining the age of animal remains from the Suidae family, which could be helpful in epidemiological investigations. The study included selected tissues and internal organs of Sus scrofa domesticus, exposed to natural environmental conditions or kept in stable 4 °C conditions, to assess the levels of β-actin and mtDNA over a period of 18 months. The levels of both tested parameters exhibited the expected decreasing trend over time. However, in most tissues, some discrepancies from this general pattern were observed. The results obtained for bone marrow showed a consistent downward trend and a strong correlation between mtDNA and β-actin, with long-term detectability (up to the 13th month of the study). Therefore, bone marrow could be considered a matrix of choice for age assessment. However, due to various influencing factors, further studies are required.