Abstract
The purposes of this study were to examine the impact of artificial feeding on wild boars (Sus scrofa) and its potential as an indirect way to prevent boar damage. We conducted the study in Hasumi village in August and September in 2005. The home ranges of 3 wild boars that were not fed artificially were monitored between 22nd and 26th, August. Then the home ranges of the same individuals after artificial feeding were monitored between 27th August and 2nd September. Home ranges without feeding covered 81.4–132.4 ha. One wild boar was fed inside of its home range as identified prior to feeding and used the feeding place within it. As a result, distances between feeding place and loci of this individual became significantly shorter (Mann-Whitney’ U-test, P<0.001) and its home range reduced to 51.6 ha (44.2% of without feeding). Others were fed outside of their home ranges as identified prior to feeding and they did not use the feeding place.
The activity of wild boar was affected strongly by artificial feeding inside of the home range, but not by feeding outside. And there was a possibility to prevent agricultural damage by the former.
