Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Wild Boar
Scientific Name:
Sus scrofa
Weight:
Between 50 - 200kg.
Lifespan:
They can live for 15 - 20 years. Description
The Wild Boar is an ancestor of our domestic pigs. They have long bodies, short legs and a large head on a short neck. The coat consists of short bristly hair, which is dark or brindled with the snout being prominent and the ears large and hairy. Wild Boars are extremely vocal and will grunt and chirrup to each other and will emit a loud squeal when threatened or alarmed.
Distribution
Feral groups are now located in several locations throughout the U.K.
Habitat
Mainly broad leaved woodland.
Predators
Man
Reproduction
They become sexually mature at around 18 months of age, although males only mate when they reach a certain size and dominance, which can be at 4 years old. Mating takes place in Autumn, following fights amongst the Boars to establish dominance. The young are born after a 115 day gestation period in a nest of vegetation built by the mother. The young are weaned after 3 months but will stay with the mother until the next litter is born.
Footprint Description
Rounded cleaves, broad with slightly concave inside edges.Dew claws regularly visible in adult prints. Distance between dew claws being the widest point of the print.
Footprint Size
12cm to back of dew claws, 7cm across dew claws. Stride approx 40cm.
Droppings Description
Droppings are dark and are akin to half inflated rugby balls. Plant remains,small bones are shells are frequently visible. Droppings are scattered randomly over the whole territory.