Home Range Size and Spatial Overlap of Female Wild Boar During Farrowing Season

Home range size and habitat selection of two kin-related female wild boars belonging to the same family group were analysed within an area of 8,6 km2 in the Apennine Mountains (Central Italy). Changes in home range size, spatial overlap, and habitat preferences were analysed using a very high frequency (VHF) telemetry data, across three distinct stages of the reproductive period: before, during, and after births. Our results show a marked reduction in home range size during the farrowing phase suggesting a behavioural shift towards more restricted space likely associated with reproductive constraints. A spatial overlap between the two females peaked during the farrowing period and it was followed by sharp post-births decrease, implying a temporary spatial convergence linked to a common selection of suitable birthing site. During and after farrowing, both individuals/females showed a non-random dispersal pattern, selecting areas characterized by dense vegetation and lower/minimal anthropogenic disturbance. Distances from the core centres of activity varied significantly across the three phases, reflecting changes in mobility strategies. These results highlight the influence of the reproductive status on spatial behaviour in female wild boar and underscore the importance of a fine-scale temporal analysis to detect patterns of habitat selection and social spacing within family groups. Our study contributes to a better understanding of wild boar ecology in Apennine landscapes, with implications for future research in this widespread and adaptable species.