Where and when: the ecological parameters affecting Wild boars choice while rooting in grasslands in an Alpine valley

Abstract

Rooting is the most obvious sign of presence of the species in a given area and it has been used to study habitat and space use. The study was carried out in Susa Valley at altitude from 700 to 1,410 m u.s.l. 58 plots of grassland or pastureland have been studied by visiting them every fortnight looking for rooting. Each plot was characterized by measuring some physical parameters and on each visit the soil hardness, vegetation or snow height, sign of deer use, human activity and amount of rooting were recorded. Climatic condition in the period before each visit was measured by two meteorological stations.