Effects of female body mass and climate on reproduction in northern wild boar

摘要: Mammalian life history strategies depend on climate conditions. Hence, reproductive parameters may vary regionally, and knowledge such patterns are important for sustainable management. Wild boar research has been biased towards south central Europe. Here we investigate the effects of mother's carcass mass, season (summer temperature precipitation as well January temperature) pregnancy rate litter size in 601 free-ranging female wild from hemiboreal Sweden, close to north border distribution range Pregnancy was average 33.4 ± 1.94% (mean SE), whereas pregnant females 4.7 0.12. highest during seasonal reproduction peak winter spring, both increased significantly with increasing body mass. The probability a being exceeded 50% when mass 58 kg, equivalent live 113 by one each 16 kg increase We found no significant temporal variations climate, suggest that were not sufficiently large affect reproduction. Alternatively, strategy be adjusted prevailing regional In case, other traits, mortality, more sensitive short-term fluctuations. management needs take reproduction, resource availability, into consideration deciding prudent actions.