Wild boar

They have an elongated and elastic snout that can be used to dig out roots and bulbs

Richard Bartz


Wild boar

EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE

They have an elongated and elastic snout that can be used to dig out roots and bulbs

Population

With its formidable presence and adaptability, it has cemented its status as one of the most widespread members of the Suidae family, boasting one of the largest distributions among mammals across the globe. This creature, with its robust and bulky body contrasted by surprisingly short and relatively thin legs, is a marvel of evolutionary resilience, thriving in diverse habitats ranging from dense forests to agricultural lands.

One of the most striking features of the wild boar is its disproportionately large head, which accounts for about one-third of its total body length. This feature, coupled with short and robust tusks, underscores the wild boar’s reputation as a formidable forager and a competitor within its ecosystem. These tusks, which are more pronounced in males, are not just defensive weapons against predators but are also used in intraspecific conflicts during mating.

The wild boar’s coat is another testament to its adaptability. Composed of rough, long bristles underlaid with a layer of short fur, the coat’s coloration can vary significantly across different geographic locations and individual ages, providing camouflage that is crucial for its survival. The back bristles of males can stand erect when they are agitated, serving as a visual warning to potential threats or rivals.

Despite their rugged appearance and daytime lethargy, wild boars are surprisingly nocturnal creatures, spending up to 12 hours per day sleeping in nests constructed from foliage, branches, and other available materials. These nests provide a retreat from the elements and serve as a hidden sanctuary from predators. Wild boars emerge from their shelters to forage at night, employing their keen sense of smell to locate a wide variety of foods. Their diet is impressively omnivorous, including roots, tubers, seeds, nuts, fruits, and even small animals, making them integral players in controlling certain plant populations and in seed dispersal.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Afghanistan
2018
Albania
2018
Algeria
2018
Andorra
2018
Armenia
2018
Austria
2018
Azerbaijan
2018
Bangladesh
2018
Belarus
2018
Belgium
2018
Bhutan
2018
Bosnia And Herz.
2018
Bulgaria
2018
Cambodia
2018
China
2018
Croatia
2018
Cyprus
2018
Czechia
2018
Denmark
2018
Presence Uncertain
Egypt
0
Official estimate
EX
Died in 1912
Estonia
2018
Finland
2018
France
2018
Corsica
Georgia
2018
Germany
2018
Greece
2018
Hong Kong
2018
Hungary
2018
India
2018
Indonesia
2018
Iran
2018
Iraq
2018
Ireland
0
Official estimate
EX
2018
Extinct April 2009
Israel
2018
Italy
2018
Sardegna
Japan
2018
Jordan
2018
Kazakhstan
2018
Korea
2018
Kyrgyzstan
2018
Laos
2018
Latvia
2018
Lebanon
2018
Libya
0
Official estimate
EX
2018
Extinct 1880
Liechtenstein
2018
Lithuania
2018
Luxembourg
2018
Malaysia
2018
Moldova
2018
Monaco
2018
Mongolia
2018
Montenegro
2018
Morocco
2018
Myanmar
2018
Nepal
2018
Netherlands
2018
North Korea
2018
North Macedonia
2018
Norway
0
Official estimate
EX
2018
Extinct 1000 years ago
Pakistan
2018
Poland
2018
Portugal
2018
Romania
2018
Russia
2018
San Marino
2018
Serbia
2018
Slovakia
2018
Slovenia
2018
Spain
2018
Sri Lanka
2018
Switzerland
2018
Syria
2018
Taiwan
2018
Tajikistan
2018
Thailand
2018
Tunisia
2018
Turkey
2018
Turkmenistan
2018
Ukraine
2018
Uzbekistan
2018
Vietnam
2018

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No