Learning ability of wild boar using complex T-maze

Abstract

A maze learning test was conducted to investigate the learning ability of wild boars. Five wild boars were run through a complex T-maze that had two choice points. The maze test was conducted in four consecutive sessions with six trials per session. The time required to reach the goal in the maze (running time) and the number of blind alleys entered (errors) were used to measure maze performance. The number of reverse runs in the starting direction was used to measure nervousness and vigilance. The running time and number of errors decreased through four consecutive sessions. This result suggested wild boars have spatial learning ability equal to domestic animals. The running time and number of errors were considered to constitute a learning index for wild boars. The decrease in the number of reverse runs was consistent with habituation to a novel environment.