Abstract
To reveal behavioral characteristics of damage-causing wild boar individuals (Sus scrofa), we investigated seasonal and daily changes of habitat selection for individuals captured near a forest’s edge. Six wild boars were captured during May–November in 2004 and 2005. Their preferences related to vegetational and topographical factors were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM). Interindividual differences in utilization of areas outside of the forest were also assessed. Results showed that one individual never exited the forest (inner individual). Most wild boars which used areas out of the forest (outer individuals) intensively preferred the forest edge. In contrast, the inner individual used a wide area from the forest edge to more than 1,000 m from the forest edge. From the viewpoint of seasonal and diurnal variation, outer individuals selected woodland vegetation and low elevation areas during the daytime. During the nighttime they preferred areas outside of the forest and low elevation areas. Results suggest that nuisance control for reducing crop damage should be conducted around the forest edge because outer individuals intensively use these areas.
