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Biased birth sex ratios have been documented in many mammalian populations, but it is often difficult to know whether they result from biases in the sex ratio at conception and/or sex differences in prenatal mortality. It is generally admitted that there is an excess of males at conception and a higher level of mortality during gestation for males because of a positive relationship between size and vulnerability. Here, we challenge this classical prediction in a wild boar (Sus scrofa) population facing highly variable food resources (mast seeding) and in which male fetuses are heavier than females. Using long-term hunting and mast seeding data, we show that sex ratio at conception is balanced and that females suffer from higher embryonic mortality particularly in large litters, whatever the level and the type of food resources. One possible explanation is that a female embryo is ready for implantation later than an identically aged male because of slower development and is more likely to miss the implantation window. To what extent a lower survival of female embryos is a common feature in mammals remains to be carefully explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Driven hunts with hunting dogs are one of the tools for wild boar population reduction. However, they may represent an increased risk of injuries for hunting dogs. This study investigated whether hunting pressure, measured by the length of the hunting season, the frequency of hunts, and participant numbers, influenced the likelihood of wild boar attacks on dogs. The results revealed that the number of attacks reported in a hunting season only increased with longer hunting seasons. Other factors, such as shorter intervals between hunts, the number of driven hunts in the season, or the number of participants, did not enter the best statistical model in our study. Although most injuries were mild, severe and fatal cases were recorded, underscoring the need for improved strategies to reduce risks and enhance dog safety during hunts. Hunting dogs are exposed to the risk of injury in driven hunts, an often-used method for managing growing wild boar numbers. This study investigated the impact of increased hunting pressure—both across the hunting season and within individual hunting events—on the risk of wild boar attacks on hunting dogs, i.e., the length of the hunting season (2.68 ± 0.76 months, mean ± standard deviation), the number of driven hunts per season (3.99 ± 0.43), the intervals between hunts (17.85 ± 4.83 days), the number of wild boars harvested per season (14.46 ± 13.10), and the number of participants (23.8 ± 10.69) and dogs (4.56 ± 2.66) involved per hunt. The data were collected via a retrospective questionnaire survey. The information-theoretic approach (IT-AIC) and GLMM were employed to estimate the factors' effects on the number of wild boar attacks on dogs reported in 40 hunting grounds in five consecutive hunting seasons (2.60 ± 5.07 attacks per hunting season in a hunting ground). The number of attacks only increased with the length of the hunting season. The best model did not include other factors, such as shorter intervals between hunts, a higher number of driven hunts, wild boars harvested, or participants. The respondents reported 150 injuries by wild boars during 797 driven hunts. Most injuries were mild (73.8%), with fewer severe (18.8%) and fatal (7.4%) cases. Further investigation into wild boar and hunting dog interactions is necessary for constructing strategies to improve hunting practices and reduce dog injury risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aposematic species rely on primary and secondary antipredator strategies. Yet, some opportunistic and generalist species may consume them, although this has been largely supported by indirect evidence such as dietary analyses or clay model experiments. Here, we studied the role of the wild boar, Sus scrofa , as a consumer and possible predator of an aposematic and toxic salamander, Salamandra salamandra gallaica. We investigated this behaviour using camera traps and salamander carcasses on a small island where both species co-occur. Our results show a very low proportion of salamanders consumed by wild boars (3.8%), which indicates that fire salamanders might not completely rely on their aposematic strategy to avoid being consumed by this generalist species. The number of predation events does not differ between wild boar age classes, but it does between seasons, with a higher consumption in spring, which can be associated with an increase in animal consumption when fruits (e.g., acorns) are no longer available on this island. We also highlight the need for temporal studies targeting predator-prey interactions through behavioural data and complementary approaches to better understand the possible impact of opportunistic and generalist species in the ecosystem. This is particularly important in management plans involving the control of generalist species such as the wild boar, which is considered one of the most invasive species globally and a threat to countless species worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history of Homo sapiens is studded with many events promoting relationships with wild animals changing their evolutionary path or impacting their adaptation. Artificial selection is recognized as the product of planned actions aimed to annex useful species into the anthropic niche. However, the effect of humans on animal evolutionary trajectories is diversified and cannot be assigned to a single driver. We characterized the genomes of feral pigs managed by different traditional husbandry practices to infer about the combining effect of artificial and natural selection. Whole genome characterization showed a clear distinctiveness of Sardinian wild boars (Sus scrofa) from free‐range pig and domestic pig (Sus domesticus) populations, while Eurasian wild boars and hybrids are closely related, also in agreement with allelic frequency. In the Southern Italy system, we found 7 SNPs putatively under selection, associated with genomic regions including genes mainly involved in body weight control and feeding behavior, muscle growth and development, and adipocyte proliferation. Considering Sardinian wild boar and free‐range pigs, over 3000 SNPs were found putatively under selection, and the genomic regions in which these SNPs fall include genes linked mainly to litter size and number of teats. The screening of genomic variability was useful to characterize feral pigs and wild boars from Southern Italy and Sardinia and the relationships between them, highlighting the effect of a peculiar artificial selection that modulates its weightiness due to the concomitant natural selection. In particular, the traditional Sardinian pig husbandry seems to act pushing down gene flow towards wild boar while favoring adaptations to life in the wild, creating a unique genetic pattern in free‐range pigs, different both from the domestic and the wild genetic makeup. Our contribution opens up a discussion on the current European policy for the management of free‐range pigs, the effective conservation actions for diversity in Suidae forms and their consequent impacts on biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop damage caused by wild animals, particularly wild boars (Sus scrofa), significantly impacts agricultural yields, especially in maize fields. This study evaluates two methods for assessing maize crop damage using UAV-acquired data: (1) a deep learning-based approach employing the Deepness plugin in QGIS, utilizing high-resolution RGB imagery; and (2) a method based on digital surface models (DSMs) derived from LiDAR data. Manual visual assessment, supported by ground-truthing, served as the reference for validating these methods. This study was conducted in 2023 in a maize field in Central Poland, where UAV flights captured high-resolution RGB imagery and LiDAR data. Results indicated that the DSM-based method achieved higher accuracy (94.7%) and sensitivity (69.9%) compared to the deep learning method (accuracy: 92.9%, sensitivity: 35.3%), which exhibited higher precision (92.2%) and specificity (99.7%). The DSM-based method provided a closer estimation of the total damaged area (9.45% of the field) compared to the reference (10.50%), while the deep learning method underestimated damage (4.01%). Discrepancies arose from differences in how partially damaged areas were classified; the deep learning approach excluded these zones, focusing on fully damaged areas. The findings suggest that while DSM-based methods are well-suited for quantifying extensive damage, deep learning techniques detect only completely damaged crop areas. Combining these methods could enhance the accuracy and efficiency of crop damage assessments. Future studies should explore integrated approaches across diverse crop types and damage patterns to optimize wild animal damage evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As wild boar populations and their distribution ranges increase, human–wild boar conflicts have become increasingly prevalent in numerous regions across the globe. These conflicts have a profound impact on human livelihoods, resulting in significant economic losses. Understanding the habitat requirements and relative abundance of wild boars is crucial prior to implementing any conservation measures. However, studies on wild boar habitat and population in the central and eastern regions of the Tianshan Mountains in China are lacking. We assessed the activity patterns and relative abundance of wild boars in these areas and evaluated habitat suitability using a combination of camera trapping, line transects, species distribution modeling (maximum entropy model), and hierarchical abundance modeling (Bayesian N‐mixture model). We used 311 infrared cameras and 280 field‐based line transects to cover approximately 31,000 km² from September 2022 to May 2023 in the east‐central Tianshan Mountains. We used 240 wild boar distribution locations and 13 environmental predictors in the development of species distribution models. We also used species counts and associated environmental predictors in the N‐mixture model to estimate the relative abundance of wild boar. Wild boars were most active during crepuscular hours (1800), and relatively active in the diurnal period compared to the nocturnal period. The probability of wild boar occurrence increased with higher normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), the minimum temperature of the coldest month, and annual temperatures below 39°C. Boars were most likely to be found in closed deciduous‐coniferous forests. The relative abundance of wild boars was positively affected by NDVI and negatively affected by the minimum temperature of the coldest month and temperature annual range. Based on our results, we suggest areas of management priority. In particular, extensive and intact habitat with substantial wild boar populations, such as the Banfanggou, the South Mountain of Urumqi, and the Hutubi, should be prioritized for long‐term wild boar population monitoring and management so the adverse impacts of increasing wild boar populations in the study region can be minimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wild boar (Sus scrofa) was introduced to Patagonia in the early 20th century through multiple independent events in Junín de los Andes, the Huemul Peninsula, and Victoria Island (Neuquén Province). Despite uncertainties surrounding their origin, questions persist regarding the extent of hybridization between these populations and domestic or feral pigs. This study presents (i) an analysis of the genetic variability and phylogenetic origin of the sub-Andean population (Neuquén province) of wild pigs from Patagonia using the molecular marker control region and (ii) a population genotyping with the MC1R marker to identify pure wild boar or domestic alleles in the zone. The results confirm the Iberian origin of the Patagonian wild pigs population and suggest potential genetic erosion due to genetic drift, as evidenced by low diversity values (Hd = 0.7950 ± 0.0510 and π = 0.0036 ± 0.0005) compared with previous studies from Argentina and Europe. Moreover, MC1R genotyping reveals the presence of hybrids in the region (allelic frequencies E+ = 0.5, EPD2 = 0.250, ED1e = 0.250), with a pure core observed on Isla Victoria, Nahuel Huapi National Park (allelic frequency E+ = 1). These findings are significant as hybrids contribute to the invasive potential of the species, a concern particularly pertinent in areas with protected habitats. Additionally, the identification of a pure wild boar population on Isla Victoria suggests its potential importance as one of the few remaining pure populations in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Control of invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) is a growing management concern throughout their invaded range. In the United States, control programs often leave wild pig carcasses on the landscape where they are freely available for consumption by scavengers such as coyotes (Canis latrans). Coyotes consume wild pigs, but no studies have investigated the importance of pig carcasses for maintaining coyote abundance. Aims: We tested the hypothesis that coyote populations may be bolstered by wild pig carcasses created by control programs. Methods: From July 2014 to July 2017, we surveyed road transects for scat to monitor coyote abundance in response to changing levels of pig carcass availability. From June 2015 to July 2017, wild pigs were removed from the eastern half of the study area and placed at one of four carcass dump sites on the western side. We analysed the scat data using an open population spatially-explicit capture–mark recapture model to estimate seasonal abundance and movement of coyotes in response to the carcass treatment. Results: Coyote density across the entire study area declined from 95 coyotes/100 km2 in July 2014 to 65 coyotes/100 km2 by July 2016, but declines were unrelated to the carcass availability treatment. Additional analysis on non-genotyped scat data showed no apparent effect of carcass availability on coyote density. Coyote activity centers moved fewer than 100 m towards the nearest carcass dump site in response to the carcass treatment. Conclusions: Wild pig carcass availability is not likely to be a primary driver of coyote abundance or territory selection at the study location. Implications: We conclude that the availability of wild pig carcasses has little effect on coyote abundance and thus wild pig carcass removal will not be an effective coyote management strategy. In the United States, control programs often leave wild pig carcasses on the landscape where they are freely available for consumption by scavengers such as coyotes. This study tested whether coyote abundance is affected by wild pig carcasses created by control programs, and found that coyote abundance did not change in response to wild pig carcass availability. We conclude that wild pig carcass removal will not be an effective coyote management strategy. Photograph by M. Vukovich. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was conducted to identify the occurrence of Anaplasma sp. infection in pigs (Sus scrofa) at Morgan Farm, Pahandut Subdistrict, Palangka Raya City. Palangka Raya City is one of the cities that has great potential to develop pig livestock, but the shortcomings of the farms in Palangka Raya City still apply traditional housing with poor cage sanitation. Samples in this study were obtained from Morgan Farm with a total of 68 pig blood samples, then examined at the Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health Laboratory of Palangka Raya City, then starting with the preparation of PBS solution and making blood review preparations using 10% Giemsa staining. The blood obtained was then reviewed using object glass, absolute methanol, and stained with Giemsa 10%. Identification was carried out using a trinocular microscope with a magnification of 400x and immersion oil was dripped on the object glass. The results of this research showed that 29 pig blood samples were positive out of 68 pig samples, with an occurrence rate of 42.6%. The morphology of Anaplasma sp. found is that there is a round, purplish-blue dot shape at the edge of red blood cells. From these results it can be concluded that the infection of Anaplasma sp. in pigs (Sus scrofa) at Morgan Farm, Pahandut District, Palangka Raya City is 42.6%, which means that the infection is very high for Palangka Raya City.

The aim of this study was to investigate the genomic diversity of the Nero d’Aspromonte (NA) pig population. NA is a subpopulation derived from the Apulo Calabrese (AC) breed that has been reared in total isolation within the Polsi area of Aspromonte, Calabria, Italy. NA is traditionally recognised and used by local farmers for the production of typical products. The growing interest in this subpopulation has led local farmers to create a cooperative to promote NA pig meat and help preserve the cultural heritage associated with this local population. A total of 40 NA pigs were included in our study and genotyped with the Illumina GGP Porcine array. Admixture, TreeMix, and run of homozygosity (ROH) analyses were performed to investigate genetic diversity within the NA subpopulation and its relationship with the AC breed and other Italian pig breeds. The NA population clearly originated from the AC breed. The lower inbreeding and average ROH size in NA compared to AC may indicate that NA differentiated from the original AC genetic pool with the contribution of admixture from other genetic backgrounds in addition to the effects of genetic isolation and genetic drift. The analysis of the genetic diversity of the NA subpopulation showcases the utility of genomic analyses to reconstruct the genetic history of local populations. A specific conservation program for this genetic resource may further support the sustainable development of local pig production systems based on traditional farming practices as a part of agricultural cultural heritage.

Abstract Wildlife in cities divides people, with some animals bringing positive benefits and others causing conflict, for example due to property damage. Urban wildlife professionals from municipal administration, nature conservation, and hunting associations have a crucial role in shaping human‐wildlife relationships in cities and fostering conflict‐free coexistence. While many studies on urban wildlife have focused on the views of citizens, few have investigated the perspectives of experts to date. To address this knowledge gap, we interviewed 36 urban wildlife professionals giving guidance in the context of urban wildlife management, either in one of the four largest German cities by population (Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Cologne) or at the national level. Red foxes, wild boars, raccoons, stone martens and Eurasian beavers were the five mammal species most frequently highlighted in interviews to cause human‐wildlife conflicts. The interviewees saw wild boars and raccoons as the most controversial urban wild mammals but emphasized the need to create refuges for beavers and better inform the public about foxes. Management in terms of public outreach, urban planning and population control, as well as establishing official contact points and stricter fines of activities violating regulations were highlighted as important elements of a toolkit to manage urban wildlife conflicts. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Simple Summary: Variably known as wild boar, feral pigs, wild hogs, and other names, Sus scrofa is a highly invasive species present on every continent except Antarctica. Free-ranging pigs often negatively impact the ecosystem and have the potential to spread impactful pathogens to domestic livestock. Countermeasures taken to control population size and/or reduce the circulation of infectious diseases are based on the delivery of baits containing bioactive chemicals or vaccines, e.g., classical swine fever vaccine. The efficacy of these methods is reliant on the consumption of baits by the pigs and tracers, i.e., rhodamine B, tetracycline, and iophenoxic acid, are commonly used to quantitate bait uptake in free-ranging pig population studies. All three tracers have been shown to be highly effective for this purpose, but, as reviewed herein, their persistence in animals and the methods for detecting their presence in pigs vary. Safer, non-infectious tracers that persist in pigs and can be easily detected through non-invasive methods are needed for population studies in both free-ranging and farm-raised pigs. A highly invasive species, free-ranging Sus scrofa often negatively impact the ecosystem and are capable of spreading a number of impactful pathogens to domestic livestock. Measures taken to ameliorate these impacts and/or control population size are based on the delivery of oral baits containing bioactive chemicals or vaccines, e.g., classical swine fever vaccine. The efficacy of these methods depends on the rate at which inoculated baits are consumed by the pigs. Rhodamine B, tetracycline, and iophenoxic acid are commonly used to quantitate bait uptake in free-ranging pig population studies. All three are effective in this application but differ in fundamental characteristics. When used as a tracer, the effective dose of rhodamine B was established at 15 mg/kg to ensure a 12-week window of detection based on evaluation of hair samples using fluorescent microscopy. Tetracyclines are likewise effective tracers in free-ranging pigs, but the process of detection is highly invasive, i.e., requires euthanasia, and extraction of bone or teeth, followed by examination by fluorescence microscopy. Iophenoxic acid and its derivatives also highly suitable tracers and may be detected in serum for ≥9 months after exposure. Notably tracers used in free-ranging pigs are not suitable for behavioral studies in farm-raised pigs either because the detection method is highly invasive (tetracyclines) or because they are unapproved for use in meat destined for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eradicating feral pigs from island ecosystems can assist in restoring damaged biodiversity values and protect commercial industries such as agriculture. Although many feral pig eradications have been attempted, management decisions are often led by practitioner experience rather than empirical evidence. Few interventions have been guided by population models to identify harvest intensity necessary to achieve eradication within a specified time frame, nor have they applied data on control effort and costs to evaluate the relative cost‐effectiveness of proposed control strategies. We used effort and cost data from a feral pig‐control program on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, over 17 months to derive functional‐response relationships between control effort (in hours per pig) and pig abundance for four control methods: (1) ground‐based shooting, (2) trapping with remote triggers, (3) poison baiting, and (4) thermal‐assisted aerial culling. We developed a stochastic Leslie matrix with compensatory density feedback on survival to project population trajectories from an initial population (N0) of 250 female pigs with an estimated island‐wide carrying capacity (K) of 2500 over 3 and 10 years for populations subjected to an annual harvest of 35%–95%. We built functional‐response models to calculate annual effort and cost for six cull scenarios across all harvest rates. We derived total cost and effort over 3‐ and 10‐year projections from the sum of annual cost and effort within the projection intervals. Pig populations were reduced to <10% N0 based on harvest rates >80% and 60% for culls of 3‐ and 10‐year durations, respectively. In all scenarios above, the minimum required harvest rate and the total cost to reduce population to ≤10% of N0 decreased with increasing harvest proportion, with lower total costs incurred over 3 years compared to 10 years. The simulations suggest that the most cost‐effective approach for most scenarios is to maximize annual harvest and complete eradication effort over the shortest periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the genomic diversity of the Nero d'Aspromonte (NA) pig population. NA is a subpopulation derived from the Apulo Calabrese (AC) breed that has been reared in total isolation within the Polsi area of Aspromonte, Calabria, Italy. NA is traditionally recognised and used by local farmers for the production of typical products. The growing interest in this subpopulation has led local farmers to create a cooperative to promote NA pig meat and help preserve the cultural heritage associated with this local population. A total of 40 NA pigs were included in our study and genotyped with the Illumina GGP Porcine array. Admixture, TreeMix, and run of homozygosity (ROH) analyses were performed to investigate genetic diversity within the NA subpopulation and its relationship with the AC breed and other Italian pig breeds. The NA population clearly originated from the AC breed. The lower inbreeding and average ROH size in NA compared to AC may indicate that NA differentiated from the original AC genetic pool with the contribution of admixture from other genetic backgrounds in addition to the effects of genetic isolation and genetic drift. The analysis of the genetic diversity of the NA subpopulation showcases the utility of genomic analyses to reconstruct the genetic history of local populations. A specific conservation program for this genetic resource may further support the sustainable development of local pig production systems based on traditional farming practices as a part of agricultural cultural heritage. HIGHLIGHTS: We genetically characterised the Nero d'Aspromonte pig population using genomic data. Genomic characteristics of this population were compared with nine other Italian pig breeds. The results confirmed that Nero d'Aspromonte population originated from the Apulo Calabrese breed. An admixed genetic structure can be detected between Nero d'Aspromonte and Apulo Calabrese pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is insufficient understanding of interspecific interactions with the eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) and wild pigs (Sus scrofa). Wild pigs compete with wild turkeys and predate nests and adults; however, population‐level effects on wild turkeys are not clear. Using cameras, we assessed responses of wild turkey populations to wild pig removal in central Alabama, USA, from 2018–2021. We compared wild turkey relative abundance and occupancy on 3 large‐scale pig‐removal treatment sites (3,407–5,531 ha) relative to a control site (2,510 ha) during 1 pre‐treatment year and 2 post‐treatment years, with analyses including a covariate expressing the cumulative number of pigs removed from each site standardized by the initial pig abundance on the site. We removed 1,851 wild pigs from the 3 treatment sites over 22 months. Based on N‐mixture modeling, when the number of pigs removed was equal to our baseline population estimates (i.e., 100% removal relative to initial population), there were 1.50 (95% CL = 1.01–2.23) times as many wild turkeys, and detection of wild turkeys was 2.01 (95% CL = 1.49–2.70) times as likely. Additionally, poults were 3.49 (95% CL = 1.12–10.89) times as likely to occupy an area when the number of pigs removed was equal to our baseline population estimates compared with poult occupancy at baseline pig abundance. Our data suggests that reduction of wild pig populations may lead to a localized increase in populations of wild turkeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemental feeding of wild ungulates has long been and remains a common practice across Europe and North America. Yet by drawing animals together, supplemental feeding can have unintended, negative effects on individual species and broader ecological processes. These include increased risk of disease transmission, intraspecific and interspecific competition, and predation, which are of management concern for white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the southeastern United States given the arrival of nonnative wild pigs (Sus scrofa) and coyotes (Canis latrans). We conducted a field experiment between March and July of 2021 to assess the effects of supplemental feeding on spatiotemporal activity patterns of deer and wild pigs at wildlife feeders, and space use of coyotes in the Piedmont region of South Carolina, USA. We observed support for our hypothesis that interspecific competition through increased visitation by larger groups of competitor species reduces use of foraging sites by other subordinate ungulates, where feeders highly visited by wild pigs were rarely visited by deer. While adult deer and wild pigs generally did not shift their temporal activity patterns at feeders, juvenile temporal activity shifted to more frequent visits of feeders during the night, supporting our hypothesis that supplemental feed could increase risk to predator exposure, as coyotes tend to be active during crepuscular hours. Our findings suggest that supplemental feed put out to encourage deer activity could actually deter deer if wild pigs occupy that area, and has potential negative demographic effects if juveniles are at increased risk of predation. Collectively, based on our data, we do not recommend supplemental feeding in the southeastern United States where white‐tailed deer, coyotes, and wild pigs co‐occur. More broadly, given how widespread the legal use of supplemental feed remains across the United States, we encourage landowners and policymakers to consider the full suite of potential direct and indirect, short‐term and long‐term negative impacts supplemental feeding can have on both target and nontarget wildlife populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The subgenual gyrus is a promising target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) against depression. However, to optimize this treatment modality, we need translational animal models. Aim: To describe the anatomy and connectivity of the Göttingen minipig subgenual area (sgC). Materials and methods: The frontal pole of 5 minipigs was cryosectioned into 40 μm coronal and horizontal sections and stained with Nissl and NeuN-immunohistochemistry to visualize cytoarchitecture and cortical lamination. Eight animals were unilaterally stereotaxically injected in the sgC with anterograde (BDA) and retrograde (FluoroGold) tracers to reveal the sgC connectivity. Results: In homology with human nomenclature (Brodmann 1909), the minipig sgC can be subdivided into three distinct areas named area 25 (BA25), area 33 (BA33), and indusium griseum (IG). BA25 is a thin agranular cortex, approximately 1 mm thick. Characteristically, perpendicular to the pial surface, cell-poor cortical columns separate the otherwise cell-rich cortex of layer II, III and V. In layer V the cells are of similar size as seen in layer III, while layer VI contains more widely dispersed neurons. BA33 is less differentiated than BA25. Accordingly, the cortex is thinner and displays a complete lack of laminar differentiation due to diffusely arranged small, lightly stained neurons. It abuts the IG, which is a neuron-dense band of heavily stained small neurons separating BA33 directly from the corpus callosum and the posteriorly located septal nuclear area. Due to the limited area size and nearby location to the lateral ventricle and longitudinal cerebral fissure, only 3/8 animals received sgC injections with an antero- and retrograde tracer mixture. Retrograde tracing was seen primarily to the neighbouring ipsilateral ventral- and mPFC areas with some contralateral labelling as well. Prominent projections were furthermore observed from the ipsilateral insula, the medial aspect of the amygdala and the hippocampal formation, diencephalon and the brainstem ventral tegmental area. Anterograde tracing revealed prominent projections to the neighbouring medial prefrontal, mPFC and cingulate cortex, while moderate staining was noted in the hippocampus and adjoining piriform cortex. Conclusion: The minipig sgC displays a cytoarchitectonic pattern and connectivity like the human and may be well suited for further translational studies on BA25-DBS against depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the diet composition of wolves inhabiting Notecka Forest (ca 1400 km2) in western Poland based on the analysis of scats (n = 261) collected in 2008–2021. The study revealed that wolves in this large forest tract, consisting mainly of pine monocultures, consumed primarily wild ungulates (95.2% of consumed biomass). The roe deer was the essential food item (47.8%), followed by the red deer Cervus elaphus (25.1%) and the wild boar Sus scrofa) (18.4%). Wolves supplemented their diet with medium‐sized wild mammals, mainly the European hare Lepus europaeus (2.8%) and the Eurasian beaver Castor fiber (1.9%). The food niche was narrow (B = 1.1), and there was no difference in food composition between the spring–summer and autumn–winter seasons. We emphasize the significance of the smallest European wild ruminant, roe deer, in the diet of wolves inhabiting Central European Plains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms underlying the domestication process have already been well explained. Starting with Belyaev's pioneering experiment on silver foxes, which showed that selection for tameness (reduced fear response, changes in the 'hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system'—HPA axis) leads to destabilisation of the regulatory systems that control morphological and behavioural development, resulting in the changes characteristic of the domestication syndrome. Later, the thyroid rhythm hypothesis and the neural crest cell (NCC) hypothesis provided additional explanations. Recently, the parasite-mediated domestication hypothesis (PMD) has been proposed, suggesting an important role of endoparasites in the domestication process. Since parasites either directly or indirectly affect all mechanisms underlying the domestication syndrome (HPA, thyroid, NCC), the PMD proposes that they may be an important trigger of domestication. PMD can be tested either experimentally or comparatively. One of the basic assumptions of PMD is that parasite-susceptible, genetically less resistant/more tolerant wild animals were originally domesticated and that the susceptibility to parasites has been passed on to today's domestic animals. This can be verified primarily by comparing the parasite susceptibility of existing wild and domestic populations of the same species. We, therefore, followed a systematic comparative approach by analysing the parasite load in wild boar (WB) and free-ranging domestic pig (DP) populations from a comparable environment in a geographically close area. Fresh faeces from WB and DP populations, one each from Slovenia (SI) and Croatia (HR), were sampled. A total of 59 individual faecal samples were collected (SI: 12 WB, 20 DP; HR: 14 WB, 13 DP). Parasitological diagnostics were carried out using the sedimentation and floatation method. Five different taxa were found in WB and seven in DP. Three parasite taxa were found exclusively in DP (Cystoisospora suis, Trichuris sp., Balantidium coli), and one (Strongyloides sp.) only in WB. Of the parasites found in both cohorts, strongyles/Oesophagostomum sp. were significantly more abundant in DP, while Eimeria sp. was found in equal amounts in both (but in HR only in WB). According to the preliminary study presented here, there is evidence to support the PMD baselines in the wild boar—domestic pig association. However, we cannot draw a definitive conclusion as there are many aspects that may bias the interpretation based on parasite load alone, which are also discussed here. Therefore, comparative studies should be supported by a more focussed methodology, including an experimental approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Coastal Creole pigs in Argentina are predominantly found in the wild and can trace their lineage directly back to the Iberian breeds introduced by Spanish colonizers. They currently stand as the sole Creole breed in the country recognized by the FAO. However, there exists a dearth of studies assessing their genetic potential within the swine industry. Therefore, this study aimed to genetically characterize the meat quality of Coastal Creole pigs based on seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the Ryr1, PRKAG3, MC4R, H-FABP, and CAST genes. A total of N = 158 samples were collected from specimens distributed along the coastal region. Our findings revealed all loci to exhibit polymorphism, underscoring the population's remarkable genetic diversity. Furthermore, a higher frequency of alleles favorable for the PRKAG3191I>V/200R>Q, MC4R1426A>G, CAST76872G>A, and Ryr11843C>T genes was observed, while alleles unfavorable predominated for H-FABP1811G>C and CAST638Ser>Arg. The results obtained in this research are highly encouraging, reflecting the genetic potential of these pigs to be utilized in swine production programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sus arvernensis is a Pliocene species that occupies a key position in the evolution of suids (Suidae, Artiodactyla, Mammalia) in Eurasia, and besides, it is considered important for biochronological correlations and paleoecological inferences. However, our knowledge on S. arvernensis is largely based on fossil remains from southwestern Europe. Here, we present a revision of the Hungarian fossil record of S. arvernensis. Up to now, the species was known from only two localities of Hungary, Gödöllő (central Hungary) and Süttő (northwest Hungary), and the latter occurrence has even been questioned. After the comparison with other relevant samples of S. arvernensis, of the Early Pleistocene S. strozzii, and of the extant wild boar S. scrofa (motivated by previous attributions and the chronology of the localities), the presence of S. arvernensis from Gödöllő and Süttő is confirmed, and more material of the species is described from Beremend (southern Hungary) and Kisláng (western Hungary). Collectively, the results of the revision carried out herein reveal a relatively widespread distribution of S. arvernensis in Hungary, hence providing an important link from the eastern to western European fossil record of the species. The specimens from Gödöllő and Süttő are slightly larger than the other material of S. arvernensis from France and Italy included in the biometric comparison, although the paucity of the material precludes to evaluate whether these differences are significant and to relate them to a chronological and/or geographical context. The occurrence of S. arvernensis in the Hungarian localities considered in this work is a biochronological indication of an age older than at least 2.6 Ma, since the species is not recorded after the Pliocene–Pleistocene transition. This in agreement with the age estimates available so far for some of the localities or provides new insights. At Süttő, in particular, the identification of S. arvernensis reinforces the view that travertine deposition started already in the Pliocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the modern perspective on evaluating animal welfare, it is important to consider both negative and positive experiences. This study investigated the impact of group composition and environmental enrichments on the behaviours of free-ranging pigs, focusing on anxiety-related behaviours, aggression, affiliation, post-conflict affiliation, excavation, and non-invasive exploration activities. Data were collected on three different groups (allfemale: N=10; all-male: N=13; mixed-sex: N=12) of free-ranging pigs raised in a natural woodland habitat at the ethical farm "Parva Domus" (Turin, Italy). To evaluate the impact of environmental enrichment, further data collection was carried out on the mixed-sex group under three different enrichment conditions (absence; dry leaves; straw) provided in a rotational scheme. Group composition did not affect levels of anxiety-related behaviours, aggression, and non-invasive exploration. However, it did impact other social aspects (affiliation: One-way ANOVA: p=0.003; post-conflict affiliation: Kruskal-Wallis: p=0.005). In particular, the mixed-sex and the all-male groups showed higher levels of affiliation than the all-female group and the mixed-sex group showed higher levels of post-conflict affiliation than the all-male group. Moreover, we found differences in excavation behaviour levels (Kruskal-Wallis: p=0.001), with higher levels of excavation behaviour in the mixed-sex group compared to the allfemale group. Regarding the impact of enrichments, we found differences in levels of anxiety-related behaviours (One-way ANOVA: p = 0.046), affiliation (One-way ANOVA: p = 0.006), excavation (One-way ANOVA: p<0.001), and non-invasive exploration activities (One-way ANOVA: p<0.001). In enrichment conditions with straw, we found a significant decrease in anxiety-related, affiliation, and excavation behaviours levels, and a significant increase in noninvasive exploration behaviours. A trend with lower levels of aggression was observed in straw enrichment condition compared to the absence of enrichment, although the difference was not significant. Moreover, there were no differences in post-conflict affiliation frequencies. Our findings suggest that forming mixed-sex groups and providing environmental enrichments such as the straw could be suitable solutions to effectively reduce invasive excavation behaviours without preventing pigs from expressing their natural behavioural repertoire, thus maintaining high standards of animal welfare. This study highlights behavioural aspects to be considered in extensive farming, confirming the importance of ethology as a tool for assessing pig welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometritis and metritis are common reproductive diseases in domestic animals, causing a reduction in reproductive performance and economic losses. A previous study revealed the alterations in the transcriptome of the inflamed porcine endometrium. Data on molecular signatures in the myometrium under inflammatory conditions are limited. The current study analyzed the transcriptomic profile of porcine myometrium after intrauterine Escherichia coli (E. coli) administration. On day 3 of the estrous cycle (Day 0 of the study), 50 ml of either saline (group CON, n = 7) or E. coli suspension (109 colony-forming units/ml, group E. coli, n = 5) were injected into each uterine horn. After eight days, the gilts were euthanized, and the uteri were removed for further analysis. In the myometrium of the CON group versus the E. coli group, microarray analysis revealed 167 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, 78 up- and 89 down-regulated). After intrauterine E. coli administration, among the DEGs of the inflammatory response set, the highest expressed were mRNA for CXCL6, S100A8, S100A12, SLC11A1, S100A9 , CCL15, CCR1, CD163, THBS1 and SOCS3, while the most suppressed was mRNA expression for FFAR4, KL, SLC7A2 and MOAB. Furthermore, a comparison of the present results on myometrial transcriptome with the authors' earlier published data on the endometrial transcriptome shows the partial differences in mRNA expression between both layers after intrauterine E. coli injections. This study, for the first time, presents changes in the transcriptome of porcine myometrium after intrauterine E. coli administration, which may be important for myometrial homeostasis and functions and, as a result, for the uterine inflammation course. Data provide a valuable resource for further studies on genes and pathways regulating uterine inflammation and functions. • E.coli-injected intrauterine increases CXCL6, S100A8, S100A12 genes in myometrium. • E.coli-injected intrauterine down-regulates IGSF5, FFAR4, KL genes in myometrium. • The most altered genes in myometrium enrich pathway: role of IL-17A in psoriasis. • LPS is a top upstream regulator for differentially expressed genes in myometrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations are increasing worldwide, leading to health, economic and conservation issues. Assessing genetic structure and diversity can aid in the effective monitoring and management of wild boar populations. Processes related to sexual selection and behavioral differences between sexes support the importance of considering sex in measuring genetic diversity. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity of wild boar in southwestern Spain by comparing multilocus heterozygosity (MLH) in males and females. We collected tissue samples from 142 culled individuals and 146 fetuses during routine hunting activities and used 16 microsatellite markers to quantify MLH. Paternity analyses were conducted to infer the genotypes of reproductive males. Our results indicated that the sampled individuals constituted a unique polygynandrous population without clear genetic structure. We found that males tended to exhibit lower MLH than females, with reproductive males showing significantly lower MLH than females. We discuss the selection and demographic processes that might explain our results. We highlight the importance of sex-balanced culling for population control, as well as the use of sex-balanced samples for monitoring genetic diversities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need to reduce human–wildlife conflicts in the area around Liupanshan Nature Reserve in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. This study investigated the financial losses caused by wild boar and their causes. A questionnaire investigation (n = 135) and a field test were conducted, which included 108 sample lines and 97 infrared cameras. A principal component analysis and generalised linear model was used to analyse the importance of the effect of the factors on wild boar damage. Based on an estimate of 17,049 wild boars in the study area, we found that in the agricultural land owned by the residents, the boar density of each county and distance from the village to the nature reserve were the most significant factors that affected crop damage. Then, financial losses in spring, summer, and autumn had a moderate effect on financial loss, and the crop type had the lowest effect. We recommend reducing the wild boar population by increasing leisure hunting and the number of leopards. Additionally, a focus on farmland protection is a practical way to prevent wild boar invasions. Meanwhile, it is also necessary to conduct long-term monitoring of wild boar population status and manage the relationship between the government, research teams, and local people to more efficiently and comprehensively reduce conflicts between humans and wild boars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive omnivores may have profound impacts on ecological communities through diet selection, particularly when their functional roles differ from those in their native range. While the threat of feral pigs (Sus scrofa) to native plant communities in Hawai'i is well known, their trophic dynamics and the drivers of variation in their diet remain understudied. We investigated the feral pig trophic niche on Hawai'i Island using stable isotopes (13C and 15N) and Bayesian mixing models to identify drivers of variation in resource use. We also reconstructed intra‐individual variability for six subsampled individuals to understand temporal variation in resource use and individual diet specialization. Our results revealed that feral pigs on Hawai'i Island exhibit a broad trophic niche characterized by diverse diets, with substantial overlap in resource use across districts and habitats. Differences in dietary composition in the transition from forest to open habitat were driven primarily by a decline in invertebrates and an increasing reliance on resources enriched in 15N, which may reflect a shift in protein sources with habitat. Pigs in forested areas exhibited a smaller trophic niche than those in open habitats, largely driven by differences in feeding strategies and resource availability. Diets for subsampled individuals varied little, suggesting feral pig resource‐use strategies in Hawai'i tend to be relatively stable through time. Individual niche width was relatively narrow compared to that of feral pigs in Hawai'i at large, indicating the relatively wide feral pig dietary niche is characterized by substantial intraspecific diet specialization, likely as a result of strong intraspecific competition. Understanding the drivers of feral pig resource use offers key information for management strategies aimed at mitigating their ecological impacts in imperiled systems like Hawai'i. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) outbreaks periodically occur in livestock in the western US and are thought to originate from outside this country. Feral swine (Sus scrofa) have been identified as an amplifying host for vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus (VSNJV) and have been used to better understand the epidemiology of this virus through serosurveillance. This study aimed to determine if antibodies to vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus (VSIV) and VSNJV were present in feral swine in the western US and to determine if seropositive animals were associated with areas of previously detected VSV in livestock. A total of 4,541 feral swine samples was tested using virus neutralization (VN); samples exhibiting neutralizing activity against one or more of the viruses were confirmed using competitive ELISA (cELISA). Eight sera exhibited neutralizing activity by VN assay and a single serum sample from an animal from Kinney County, Texas sampled in December 2019 tested positive for antibodies to VSIV by cELISA. This finding is supported by a local outbreak of VSIV in horses in the same county in June 2019. The low prevalence of antibodies against VSNJV and VSIV was unexpected but indicates that feral swine in the western US do not represent an endemic reservoir for either of these viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife in cities divides people, with some animals bringing positive benefits and others causing conflict, for example due to property damage.Urban wildlife professionals from municipal administration, nature conservation, and hunting associations have a crucial role in shaping human‐wildlife relationships in cities and fostering conflict‐free coexistence. While many studies on urban wildlife have focused on the views of citizens, few have investigated the perspectives of experts to date. To address this knowledge gap, we interviewed 36 urban wildlife professionals giving guidance in the context of urban wildlife management, either in one of the four largest German cities by population (Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Cologne) or at the national level.Red foxes, wild boars, raccoons, stone martens and Eurasian beavers were the five mammal species most frequently highlighted in interviews to cause human‐wildlife conflicts. The interviewees saw wild boars and raccoons as the most controversial urban wild mammals but emphasized the need to create refuges for beavers and better inform the public about foxes.Management in terms of public outreach, urban planning and population control, as well as establishing official contact points and stricter fines of activities violating regulations were highlighted as important elements of a toolkit to manage urban wildlife conflicts. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Wild boar (Sus scrofa) has spread and colonized urban areas. The closer contact with humans can lead to wild boar-inflicted injuries. The objectives of this study are: 1) to systematically review the literature on wild boar-inflicted injuries; 2) to describe our wild boar-inflicted wound management protocol; and 3) to analyse the features, outcomes and complications of our case series. Methods: First, a systematic search of the literature was performed using the PubMed (MEDLINE) electronic database. Then, our evidence-based wild boar-inflicted wound management protocol was described. Finally, a retrospective case series study including all the patients with wild boar-inflicted injuries attended in our Emergency Department (2020–2022) was analysed. Results: Fourteen studies (twelve case reports and two case series) were selected for the literature review. Our case series included 34 patients: 50.0% of them presented superficial wounds and 38.2% penetrating wounds. Most of the wounds occurred in the lower limbs (71.9%). Following our protocol, 30.0% of the wounds were primarily closed, the 70.0% of the patients received antibiotics (92.3% in penetrating injuries) and the 26.7% received an antitetanic vaccine. Only one patient (2.9%) presented a complication. Conclusions: This study reports the first specific wild boar inflicted-wound management protocol, which led to a low complication rate. Open wounds affecting the lower limbs were the most common lesions. Care should be taken with penetrating tusk injuries. Wide-spectrum antibiotic and antitetanic treatments are recommended. Decisions on wound management should be taken case-by-case, while antirabies vaccination depends on the local status of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations have surged globally, including in Tunisia, creating challenges that necessitate understanding the factors influencing their abundance and trends. Herein, we analyzed hunting statistics (number of seen and hunted animals during the hunting events) from 2008 to 2022 to examine the spatial pattern of wild boar abundance in the oases of Kebili and Gabés in south Tunisia. Using Generalized Linear Mixed Models, we examined the relationships between wild boar abundance (the number of animals seen during hunting activities) and hunting effectiveness (the ratio of hunted to seen animals during hunting activities), considering landscape structure, human infrastructure, and hunting pressure. Wild boar abundance was higher in Kebili than in Gabés, but in Gabés wild boar population trend was positive. Our results suggest that wild boar abundance was positively correlated with oasis size, mostly in oasis with presence of herb, shrub, and tree layers. Regarding hunting effectiveness, our results showed that it was significantly higher in Gabés and was positively correlated with the distance to the nearest road. This study underscores the distinct dynamics of wild boar populations in the two regions and highlights the potential risk of population increase based on environmental conditions. The results emphasize the importance of region-specific management strategies that influence both abundance and distribution, and the capability to regulate wild boar populations by hunting. It also underscores the significance of collecting reliable hunting statistics to monitor population dynamics and formulate effective wildlife policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As Sus scrofa is an invasive species in South America, it may have a significant impact on biodiversity. Evaluating this threat requires reliable data, and population density can serve as a critical measure. However, such data is currently lacking for the southern Andes region. To address this gap, we monitored wild boar density in the Villarrica National Park, located in the Andes of south-central Chile. This study area is notable not only for its challenging climatic conditions but also for its endangered Araucaria araucana forest, which provides abundant food resources during autumn seed fall. The density calculated for the entire study period was 1.4 individuals/km2, with no significant variation between cold and warm seasons. The encounter rate showed strongly monthly variations. Given that this represents the first density estimate for wild boar in this region, our findings emphasize the need for continued monitoring, particularly due to the potential threat to the ecosystem and the already endangered Araucaria forest.

Domestication and subsequent human-induced selection has enhanced profound changes in animal morphology. On modern domestic pigs, those transformations encompass not only overall increases in body size but also modifications in skull morphology. While skull morphological differences between modern domestic pigs and wild boar are relatively well-documented, less understood is the variation and underlying mechanisms associated with intensive breeding. In this study, we investigated the rate and direction of phenotypic change of skull morphology using a unique dataset that includes two lineages of German domestic pig that were subjected to similar intensive industrial selection pressures throughout the twentieth century, alongside contemporaneous populations of German wild boar. Size and shape variation of 135 specimens was quantified through geometric morphometrics, with 82 three-dimensional landmarks. We find expected differences in skull shape between wild and domestic pigs, but also convergence between the two domestic lineages through the century of directed breeding, despite population segregation. Our results suggest that cranial morphologies have rapidly responded to selection pressure that is independent of genetic isolation. This also suggests that pig morphotypes quickly reflect human agency and impact upon domestic animal phenotypes, revealing a pathway to investigate early human breeding activity in ancient and historical contexts.

Abstract Human-induced disturbances of the environment are rapid and often unpredictable in space and time, exposing wildlife to strong selection pressure favouring plasticity in specific traits. Measuring wildlife behavioural plasticity in response to human-induced disturbances such as hunting pressures is crucial in understanding population expansion in the highly plastic wild boar species. We collected GPS-based movement data from 55 wild boars during drive hunts over three hunting seasons (2019–2022) in the Czech Republic and Sweden to identify behavioural plasticity in space use and movement strategies over a range of experienced hunting disturbances. Daily distance, daily range, and daily range overlap with hunting area were not affected by hunting intensity but were clearly related to wild boar hunting experience. On average, the post-hunt flight distance was 1.80 km, and the flight duration lasted 25.8 h until they returned to their previous ranging area. We detected no relationship in flight behaviour to hunting intensity or wild boar experience. Wild boar monitored in our study showed two behavioural responses to drive hunts, “remain” or “leave”. Wild boars tended to “leave” more often with increasing hunting experience. Overall, this study highlights the behavioural plasticity of wild boar in response to drive hunts.

An acute and orally‐delivered toxic bait for wild pigs (Sus scrofa) containing sodium nitrite (SN) is being developed and tested for potential registration in the U.S. We evaluated oral toxicity of SN and risk of secondary consumption in a common avian scavenger, the turkey vulture (Carthartes aura), by 1) conducting an acute oral toxicity test (LD50) for turkey vultures by oral gavage, and 2) allowing turkey vultures to feed on whole carcasses and digestive tracts of wild pigs that died from consuming SN‐laden bait. Captive tests were conducted during fall 2016 and spring 2017 in the Wild Pig Research Facility at Kerr Wildlife Management Area, Hunt, Texas, USA. We estimated the LD50 of SN for turkey vultures at 659 mg/kg. None of the turkey vultures died or exhibited any symptoms of SN‐toxicity from consuming whole carcasses, or digestive tracts of wild pigs that were poisoned with SN. We concluded that the risks of secondary poisoning to turkey vultures are low, which agrees with previous work on another scavenger, the coyote (Canis latrans). Overall, we found no evidence to suggest that 2 common scavengers would be at risk of acute mortality from consuming wild pigs that were poisoned with SN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]