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Published on: September 28, 2022
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Thermoregulation in the wild boar (Sus scrofa).
Thomas Ruf1, Sebastian G Vetter2,3, Johanna Painer-Gigler2
1Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstrasse 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria. thomas.ruf@vetmeduni.ac.at.
Summary
Wild boars (Sus scrofa) thrive globally due to exceptional thermoregulation, not just warmer climates. Their ability to manage body temperature efficiently allows them to inhabit diverse environments worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Physiology
- Ecology
Background:
- Wild boars (Sus scrofa) exhibit a wide global distribution, extending beyond their warm island origins.
- Their adaptability to various climates suggests a significant role of physiological traits over mere temperature increases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the thermoregulatory capabilities of wild boars across different seasons.
- To determine the importance of temperature as a habitat factor compared to other indices, given their presumed excellent thermoregulation.
Main Methods:
- Measured thermoneutral zones during summer and winter.
- Assessed changes in heart rate and energy expenditure in response to cold.
- Observed behavioral responses to heat, including wallowing and daily temperature rhythms.
Main Results:
- Summer thermoneutral zone: 6-24°C; Winter thermoneutral zone: 0-7°C.
- Energy expenditure increase in cold was minimal (<30% per 10°C drop), comparable to arctic animals.
- Wild boars exhibited weak responses to high temperatures, utilizing behavioral strategies like wallowing to prevent hyperthermia.
Conclusions:
- Wild boars possess remarkable thermoregulatory abilities, allowing them to inhabit climatically diverse regions.
- Behavioral adaptations and efficient physiological regulation, rather than just food availability, are key to their global success.
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