Food habits and impact of rooting behaviour of the invasive wild boar, Sus scrofa, in a protected area of the Monte Desert, Argentina

摘要: The wild boar, Sus scrofa, was introduced in the central region of Argentina early 20th century. A small feral population invaded western area Man and Biosphere Reserve Nacunan, 1980’s. purpose our study to provide information about diet boars semiarid assess their potential effect on vegetation through soil rooting. We analyzed 41 faecal samples compared cover plant composition between rooted non-rooted soil. Ninety-five percent boar consisted different parts (leaves, stems, glumes, fruits, seeds, bulbs) 36 species, while arthropods animal tissue represented only 5% diet. Two species (Sphaeralcea miniata Pitraea cuneato-ovata) composed bulk diet, representing almost 50% total items found faeces. Plant significantly areas. Rooted areas were dominated by cuneato-ovata, whereas Lycium sp higher This is first addressing ecology a protected Monte Desert biome Argentina.