Reproductive phenology and conception synchrony in a natural wild boar population

摘要: Reproductive synchrony among gregarious mammals has a strong adaptive value and may lead to cooperative behaviors aimed at maximizing offspring survival. Additionally, temporal clustering of estrus important implications on individual mating tactics ultimately affects the degree of polygamy in population. Although several studies have examined reproductive biology of wild boar ( Sus scrofa ), much remains to be understood about patterns timing reproduction in natural populations. We analyzed spatiotemporal distribution conception dates in an Italian wild boar population taking into account effects environmental individual factors, order determine main variables influencing reproduction detect the signs socially-driven synchrony. Specifically, for each litter belonging to 354 pregnant sows culled between 2006 2013 mountain area Tuscany, we determined the date (CD) from estimate mean fetal age culling date. then investigated which factors drove variation CD, by implementing linear mixed models, Mantel tests spatial autocorrelation analyses. The selected model showed significant rainfall, temperatures, previous current productivity as well correlation CDs among close proximity (i.e., same hunting ground and hunting season). Likewise, analyses Mantel tests consistently indicated that closer had similar dates. Overall, our results confirm effect resource availability and climate phenology, suggest reproductive patterns, spite high turn-over social groups due hunting. Finally, possible advantages and evolutionary are discussed. Download complete issue.