Diet of the Wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) inhabiting the Montpellier garrigue

Abstract

We studied the diet of the Mediterranean Wild boar in two successive years, by analyzing 82 stomach contents collected during the hunting season (September-December) and 138 feces collected near feeding troughs during the rest of the year. The samples came from animals inhabiting a typical Mediterranean garrigue characterized by holly oak (Quercus ilex) and situated at the edge of the extensive vine-growing plain of the Hérault department. Food-habits analyses using feces and stomachs sampled during the same period yielded comparable results. The Wild boar is omnivorous, with a definite frugivorous tendancy. Plants represent 96% of the diet. The animal part(3%), however, is underestimated since snails and earthworms are quickly digested. A special investigation of the presence of mollusc mouth pieces and earthworm setae allowed us to calculate the number of individuals consumed. Wild fruits represent 57% of the annual diet, in dry weight. Among fruits holly oak acorns are the staple food (47%in dry weight over the year) and they are consumed as soon, and as long, as available. The amount of artificial food (Zea mays) is important (32% of the annual diet). Comparison of good and poor mast years showed that Wild boar may compensate a lack of acorns by feeding on grapes in the vineyards.