Habitat improvement of forest ecosystems: Influence of clear cutting on habitat use by the wild boar (Sus scrofa) in central Macedonia

The influence of clear cutting on habitat use by the wild boar was investigated, in a deciduous forest ecosystem in central Macedonia, using the method of faecal-counts. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the habitat use by wild boar in relation to time lasting from clear cutting in order to effectively improve the habitats of this game species. It was found that the sites which had been thinned more than six years ago were used by wild boar more often, whereas those which had been thinned 3 to 4 years ago were generally avoided. This can be attributed to the abundance of food and cover that a dense and high forest stand can provide to wild boar. Hence, in order to improve the habitats of the wild boar it is suggested to apply selective stand thinning, whereas clear cutting in extensive areas should be avoided. More research is needed about the long-term effects of deforestation on wild boar behavior and dynamics.